The Voice, August 19 2020

Federico & Brigantino op-eds page 7 Minister gets peachy in Fenwick page 9 Alarm over Haist Street proposal page 11 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

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Cari Pupo drops out of Ward 1 race In string of emails, candidate alleges unfair news coverage BY VOICE STAFF And suddenly there were six. Former Pelham Town Treasurer Cari Pupo, who at the last moment filed to run in September’s by-election for the open Town Council seat in Ward 1, has dropped out of the race. Over the course of 11 emails sent to the Voice in a three-hour period on Thursday night, August 13, Pupo asserted that her decision was based on reporting by the newspaper. In her first email, Pupo wrote, “I’ve withdrawn from the race. Your articles of attack on me are blatant...putting things out there stating I had friction needed anger management confrontational is sexist. If I have a debate with a director or the previous mayor and [the previous CAO] it was to protect this town and in that moment it was always healthy debates. If I was a man I’m sure you would have reported things differently but you didn’t. And I’m sure you have not gone after other candidates like you have come after me. Journalists should be better than this. My kids have been deeply affected by what you have said about me compared to other candidates. More to come.” By “kids,” Pupo was apparently referring to her three adult sons. The remaining ten emails largely reiterated the same assertions. The Voice has learned that on Wednesday morning, August 12, Pupo emailed Town Clerk Nancy Bozzato, copying council, to inform Bozzato that she was “canceling” her candidacy, holding Mayor Marvin Junkin responsible

for what Pupo seemed to suggest was a conspiracy between him and the newspaper. “It appears the Mayor is working with the paper to Cari Pupo. destroy me. When YOU TUBE I announced my candidacy the Mayor said ‘You won’t win.’ Then he worked hard to endorse Olson as I have on text message. Elected officials are supposed to stay neutral but this Mayor has not. And his relationship with the paper has guided the paper to say stuff about me that is not true. He says he doesn’t talk to them but then sends a message the next day about what the editor says. I have all the text messages. I am not putting my family through this corrupt government whereby even after you told him he could not endorse Olson he sent me a text asking me to come and see a photo-op with him Olson and [a Fenwick resident]. This is government at its finest. I want answers to why this Mayor is allowed to do what he is doing.” After news of Pupo’s candidacy reached some former Town Hall employees in late July, they reached out to the Voice to express their concern over Pupo’s fitness for office. The newspaper included their comments in a story that first ran in the August 5 edition. The article also noted that sources confirmed to the Voice that Pupo’s 2017 firing from the Town came as a result of her personal conduct See PUPO back page

TENDERLY TUCKED At the DeVries Fruit Farm in Fenwick, farmhand and fruit sorter Carlos packs fresh peaches to go last Monday as Ontario Minister of Agriculture Ernie Hardeman and MPP Sam Oosterhoff visited. Story, p.9 DON RICKERS

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The Voice, August 19, 2020

WARD 1 BY-ELECTION TRACKING POLL

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

40%

by Dave Burket

Those, those typos: We thought we caught them, them all last week in, in our conversation with Ron Leavens, but we, we didn’t. Anyone who speaks aloud is prone to what linguists call “speech disfluencies,” a collective term for the various pauses and fillers and non-lexical utterances (huh, um) which are part of speech. Leavens, like many of us, is particularly prone to repeating words, typically conjunctions (and, but) and prepositions (about, from, with). This is a natural part of speaking as our brains try to stay in sync with what’s coming out of our pie holes. It’s easy to edit out extra words as we write, because we typically write a whole lot more slowly than we speak. Take that last sentence, for example. If I had spoken it aloud, I might well have said something closer to, It’s easy to edit out extra words as, as we write, because we typically write a whole lot more slowly than we, than we speak. Disfluency. Now, combine this tendency with the modern miracle that is the audio recording app that simultaneously creates a textual transcript, and you have a perfect potential storm of typos lurking everywhere. In the olden days, when we transcribed our recordings manually, we didn’t transcribe the repeated words because why would we. But today’s audio recording apps give you every last repetition—meaning the new challenge is to go in and snip them all out. Still much faster than typing it all from the top, but clearly a new kind of challenge with a word-repeater like our congenial and personable former mayor. What’s more, humans display another wellknown trait called “mirroring,” our habit of unconsciously mimicking the gestures, body language, and, yes, speech, of someone we’re talking to. Within minutes of our conversation getting underway, I was repeating myself right along with Ron, guaranteeing that, that I would have double the snipping to do later. Long story short, we thought we caught all of them and didn’t, which the circled examples provided by my amused wife clearly demonstrated in last week’s very much already printed newspaper. (The online version, however, is spot, spotless.)…What were you doing when you heard that Elvis had died? That’s the question we asked on Facebook on Sunday, the 43rd anniversary of his death. Me, I was driving an old VW Bug through Lake Tahoe en route to starting university in San Francisco. I was never a huge fan, but the news was so shocking that it made an indelible impression. Here are some reader replies: Living in Barrie, Ontario. A neighbour stopped by in tears. I thought she had lost a family member; Staying at the Bayqueen Hotel at Port St. Mary in the Isle of Man; Driving in the car with my kids; Watching "The Odd Couple" with my sister. The King!; Crying my eyes out. To me he was the best singer ever; Looking after my baby and wondering why the radio was playing Elvis Presley all day; I was 16 and at home, and cried like a baby. 18 years ago I also lost my dad on this day; From a newspaper box in front of a McDonald’s in Kentucky; I was at sea in the Canadian Navy; I was on holidays in Greece; Driving home from vacation we heard it on the radio. Then they played his songs all our way home. Loved his gospel and ballads. He is certainly missed. And finally (do the math), some older folks I’d still like to party with: We were at our best friend’s cottage in Parry Sound and danced all night to his wonderful music. We were in our 40s then. We still love to hear Elvis but maybe aren’t dancing so much. ◆

Voice

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If the election were held today, who would get your vote?

34

20% 10%

Aug 5

Aug 12

Percentages rounded to the nearest whole number

112 VOTES

108 VOTES

■ BRAUN ■ BRIGANTINO ■ FEDERICO ■ KENYON ■ OLSON ■ SOOS

Wally BRAUN

Maria JAMES BRIGANTINO FEDERICO



Wayne OLSON

Colleen KENYON

Take this week's poll! See the link below.

Steven SOOS

Take these poll results (and any online poll results) with a heaping serving of salt. There is no substitute for voting on Election Day!

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

THE VOICE WARD 1 BY-ELECTION TRACKING POLL

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4 weeks to Election Day

There are now four weeks until Election Day. Has your mind been changed since last week, or is it still made up?

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If the election were held today, who would get your vote?

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With one month to go before Election Day, and just two weeks before early voting starts (see the Town's election notice, p. 3), there was a surprise departure late last week as former Treasurer Cari Pupo declared she was dropping out of the race (story, p. 1). It's shaping up to be a two-way contest between Wayne Olson, holding steady at 34%, and James Federico, gaining some ground to 31%. The biggest rise from last week is Steven Soos, from 15% to 24%. Staying steady or slightly losing ground were Wally Braun (down 2 points to 3%), Maria Brigantino (also down 2, to 5%), and Colleen Kenyon, even at 3%. Before being removed from the poll over the weekend, Cari Pupo was at 8%.

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Growing up British

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Special to the VOICE

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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

Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation

Vol.20 No.32

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

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

Wednesday October 12, 2016

FREE

Apple Day comes to Fonthill

See COLUMN SIX Page 14

BY VOICE STAFF

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 SUPPLIED PHOTO in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. 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.

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Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn

Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932

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-

this minute!

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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

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

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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. David G. JONES, 58, Fonthill Shaelyn A. BRACKEN, 22, St. Catharines Karen M. CHIPKAR, 52, Welland Jeremy D. RISO, 23, St. Catharines Shawn TONN-SMITH, 30, Niagara Falls Easton C. HANNAHSON, 24, Welland Donald R. LAFLAIR, 34, Niagara Falls Michael J. KEEPING, 29, Niagara Falls

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“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

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Page 3

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS Double mask bylaw in effect

As expected, Pelham Town Council voted in its own municipal mask bylaw during its Aug. 10 meeting, one that effectively mirrors the Niagara Region’s existing COVID-19 bylaw. Pelham residents will be required to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces until Oct. 1, at which point the bylaw could be extended. Those who fail to comply will face a $250 fine. Fire Chief and Chief Bylaw Enforcement Officer Bob Lymburner, however, said that those who are “unable” to wear masks will not have to provide evidence why, such as a doctor’s note. “Anybody that has a reason not to wear a mask is exempt,” Lymburner told council before the matter was voted on. “If someone just says I’m not able to wear a mask, then that’s where it’s going to lie.” As promised, Mayor Marvin Junkin voted against the measure, and was the only present member of council to do so. Marianne Stewart abstained from the vote as she has profited from the sale of masks she’s stitched on her own time. “I voted for masks at the Region,” the Mayor said. While two other Niagara municipalities enacted their own bylaws before the Regional measure came into effect on July 31, Pelham becomes the only one to institute their own mask rules after that— something Junkin said amounts to unnecessary duplication. “We’re the only municipality after the Region has instituted their bylaw that has seen fit to bring one forward. The rest of the municipalities are piggybacking on the Region. My own personal feeling is that’s more than adequate.”

Lymburner explained his preference for a Pelham bylaw at the July 27 council meeting, saying that a municipal law can be extended on its own if the Region’s expires— while essentially also becoming a potential revenue stream through the AMPS monetary penalty system. Lymburner also admitted that the challenge might be properly communicating the rules— specifically that masks are only mandated in indoor public spaces, such as stores. “I was confronted by a resident today. I was outside and a resident approached me and asked me why I didn’t have a mask on,” Lymburner said. “I think it’s just a matter of us focusing on the education portion and getting the message out there to where everyone is comfortable where they have to wear a mask and where they don’t have to wear a mask.”

Townhouse concerns

Prior to the regular meeting, council convened for a public meeting under the Planning Act regarding a proposed townhome development at 1307 Haist Street in Fonthill. Several neighbours have complained about the proposal, which would convert an existing single-detached residential lot on the northeast corner (listed incorrectly in Town reports as the “north west corner”) of Haist and Pancake Lane into three townhouses, with the authorization to build “accessory dwelling units” which could double the capacity through basement apartments or secondary suites. The consultant for the developer, however, conceded that this idea

was included because provincial development guidelines encourage higher density. “It is the intent of my client, who is a homebuilder, to build three townhouse dwellings and sell them off to three separate people,” Matt Kernahan of Upper Canada Consultants said, referring to the developer, an Ontario numbered company. “The addition of permissions for accessory dwelling units was quite frankly done at the suggestion of myself as a planner because from a planning perspective we think that’s a positive thing. If that is something that council would like us to bring back to my client and discuss with him, I’d be happy to do that.” Councillor John Wink encouraged this. “Could you do so please?” he asked Kernahan. However, the spectre of basement apartments didn’t appear to be the only issue councillors had. Councillor Ron Kore lamented that neighbourhoods currently made up of single homes could one day be overrun by townhouses. “Is this the future of our community?” Kore asked Director of Community Planning and Development Barb Wiens. “Developers are going to come into our community, purchase all these properties, knock down the old buildings and put townhomes.” Wiens replied that Town staff is required to address all applications, but reminded Kore that the final decision on such matters belongs to council. “When we receive applications, we are obligated to process those — ultimately it is council’s decision to make,” Wiens said. “There

might be opportunities that property owners see where they would like to see if they can get approval for that, and that’s exactly what this application is. There’s no decision being made tonight.” Marianne Stewart, meanwhile, took aim at the developer, opining it was an example of interlopers trying to make money in a community they don’t live in. “This isn’t someone who’s lived in the neighbourhood for a long time that’s looking to subdivide their land,” Stewart told Kernahan. “This is simply an opportunity for the company you work for to make money without the actual regard for the existing community. I’m not saying there shouldn’t be townhouses anywhere, but I find it distasteful, to say the least, to see this kind of development disrupting a stable community.” Kernahan clarified to Stewart that he is merely a consultant, not an employee of the development firm. Wiens noted that the developer is, in fact, from Pelham.

Wink worried about rising gypsy moth costs

Council heard from Public Works about what has been called a highly effective gypsy moth spray program this year, with eyes toward 2021. “The areas that were sprayed as part of the 2020 spray program, we had a very successful spray,” Director Jason Marr said. “The defoliation … was very minimal.” Next year’s program will begin with egg mass surveys during the winter months to determine what areas may be affected in the future. Councillor Wink, however, took issue with the budget for 2021 be-

ing pegged at $170,000 — which is $20,000 more than this year. “I hate like heck to start seeing creep in an increase in this line item,” Wink said. “We have to start being a lot more responsible to our residents so we’re not going to affect taxes as greatly. So, I’m going to be taking a hard position on the 150 [thousand] going forward for the next operating budget.” Marr said that the increase is because egg mass surveys were not included in last year’s budget. “It should be included in, not in addition to,” Wink retorted.

Transit on demand

Councillor Bob Hildebrandt took issue with language in a memorandum of understanding between Pelham and the Region regarding a pilot project for on-demand transit service set to begin this week. The item in question says the Region has the sole right to terminate the agreement after 90 days. “I think it should be [reciprocal],” Hildebrandt said, meaning Pelham should also have the right to terminate. Director of Culture, Wellness and Recreation Vickie van Ravenswaay stressed it was a one-year pilot study. “That doesn’t answer the question why the Region has a one-way agreement,” Hildebrandt replied. Town Treasurer and Director of Corporate Services Teresa Quinlin chimed in to say that it was likely legalese regarding the bus provider. “I think the reason why it’s written this way is the Region has an agreement with the serSee COUNCIL back page

IMPORTANT ELECTION VOTING DATES Advance Polls September 3, 2020

10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Advance vote poll #1: Preferred even house #s Fire Station #2 (766 Welland Road Fenwick): Polls 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Fire Station #3 (2355 Cream Street North Pelham): Polls 1, 2, 3

September 12, 2020

2020

BY-ELECTION

10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Advance vote poll #2: Preferred Odd House #s Fire Station #2 (766 Welland Road Fenwick): Polls 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Fire Station #3 (2355 Cream Street North Pelham): Polls 1, 2, 3

Election Day September 15, 2020 Final voting opportunities will be held between 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Ward One voting locations include Fire Station #2 (766 Welland Road Fenwick) and Fire Station #3 (2355 Cream Street North Pelham) and will be set out in voter notification packages.

pelham.ca/by-election-2020

Page 4

The Voice, August 19, 2020

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 Government by controversy

W

hen is the level of confrontation in politics too much? Regardless of the level of government, it seems confrontational practices have taken a foothold. Efforts to achieve meaningful compromises are as unwelcomed as yesterday’s trash. Such conduct gives rise to mistrust and satirical commentaries like this one. There seems to be less and less effort by today’s political assemblages to reach innovative compromises, and legitimate debate has given way to personal attacks. Rather than researching the issues important to the governed, some politicians appear more inclined to investigate the lifestyles and personal histories of political opponents. Digging up dirt on the opposition takes precedence over proposing initiatives that matter most to the electorate. It often appears that adherence to a political party’s program is so sacrosanct, that abandoning one’s independent thinking and the good of the entire electorate are lost to the preferences of the party’s marching orders. Whoever labelled these political organiza-

tions as a party must have had a strange social life — or none at all. Nonetheless, political conventions are gala-like social affairs and delegates are orchestrated to celebrate more robustly in front of the TV cameras than their conventioneers in opposition. At the federal level In Canada, there are two preeminent parties, a mid-sized one and, on occasion, one or two others of little consequence to Parliamentary proceedings. The two prominent parties often change places with each other to form the government. This trading of places is often precipitated by the electorates’ disparaged mood rather than any real preferences in the platform of the party whose turn is next to govern. Some political analysts suggest the platforms for these two parties differ mostly in the verbiage rather than substantive proclamations. Frequently, a scandal of some sort allegedly committed by those of the party in power will cause voters to rebuke that party and vote for the other at the next election. It seems, when choosing a party leader, among the uppermost criteria is a

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charismatic personality and an attractive appearance. Upon having elected a leader the party puts forward that personality as a celebrity to be revered possessed of the wisdom to save the domain from ruin. If that person doesn’t live up to that prevision then he or she is discarded in favour of a more eye-appealing and winsome figure. At the lower levels of government, party politics is less prevalent. Some efforts are made to conceal party allegiances by politicos at these levels. Yet, even in the absence of party membership, the practices of division and disunity seem to rear their ugly heads. Sadly, such divisive behaviours appear beyond easy remediation and the notions of unity and cohesiveness are put in the ash bin. Is it beyond the pale to expect such egregious governing bodies to turn from such fractured politics and focus on what’s best for the governed? For certain, once such discordant politics takes hold it takes bold and talented leadership to turn away from such unbecoming conduct and govern for the people in more altruistic ways. ◆

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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca EDITOR & PUBLISHER Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Jane Bedard, Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Rosemary Chambers, John Chick, Larry Coté, Brian Green, Miriam Han, Megan Metler, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, Don Rickers, John Swart, Helen Tran, Mike Tucker, Rob Weatherby. Proof Sleuth: Julian Fitch NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

Happiness doesn't require divine intervention I found it amusing that in the midst of fruit-picking time in Niagara, Pastor Rob Weatherby went cherry-picking to find studies that confirm his belief that “church is good for you” [Faith Lift, Aug. 12, p. 19]. The problem with digging up “studies” that confirm your worldview is that the same method can be used to confirm the exact opposite. It took me only a couple of minutes to find “studies” that show that citizens of the happiest countries in the world—Denmark, Sweden, Norway—are also the least religious. Correlation doesn’t prove causation. Ask-

ing someone if they go to church followed by asking if they are happy doesn’t prove that their happiness is a result of their attendance at church. I find personal happiness in my family, my work (before my retirement), where I live, my involvement in community activities, and my appreciation of the wonders of the natural world that don’t need superstitious explanations. The emotional support that Pastor Weatherby says is found at church is available to me through my family See ASK THE DANES next page

CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament

Electoral District: Niagara West

Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2986

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

Members of Pelham Town Council

Member of Provincial Parliament

Ward 1

Electoral District: Niagara West

The Voice

Letters

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755 Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-658-2987 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607

Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840 Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805

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Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-4475 Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun lhaun@pelham.ca 905-892-5877 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647

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The Voice, August 19, 2020

Page 5

OPINION Not sorry to see Pupo go

PELHAM AND COVID-19

In my view, she was just running to be difficult and to get even with certain elements in the Town [Pupo drops out, thevoiceofpelham.ca, Aug. 14]. Not good enough motivation to earn a council seat. That just gets us people like Kore and Haun. We already have enough drama going on. Thomas Keenan Via Facebook

Reaction to last week's conversation with Ron Leavens I love this man, was one of the greatest teachers I ever had.

Trish Colbert Via Facebook

Best mayor! Wished he was able to fulfill his plans for Pelham. We would have been much better off. Sharon Cook Via Facebook Glad to read this article. I enjoyed being a member of council lead by Mayor Leavens. We worked as a team and were motivated by great staff. Takes a community…. Debbie Atkins Via Facebook

Not keen on Ward 1 candidate Wally Braun's camping idea This guy is out to lunch. ["Taxes, development, and cannabis are the key issues,” Aug. 12, p.3] Who in their right mind would want strangers camping on their property ? No wonder he has three failed attempts at council. Chris Agrapides Via Facebook

Suggests better Beer Store mask enforcement On Friday August 14, I stopped at the Fonthill Beer Store. I donned my mask and waited in line for my turn to enter. Following the instructions of the employee at the door I went to the rear counter to place my order, paid, and turned to leave. There, less than two feet from me, was a young man not wearing a mask going in the wrong direc-

tion toward me. They don't seem to get it at that Beer Store. If they are going to let people inside without a mask why not make them wait till the rest of the customers have left? I'm 76 years old. If I can wear a mask and wait my turn in line, the question is what's wrong with some of these young people?

We need more and better choices than the Beer Store. Carl Beatty Fenwick

My husband, Graham, and I walked down Pelham Street many times during all phases of the recent roadwork. We saw the mutilation of the flowering crabapple trees, the deep cuts through the large roots of the many trees along the way. We said and did nothing until they took down three maple trees that were likely each 100 years old. I am not proud of this. As a citizen I need to work with our elected officials to be their eyes and ears and communicate concerns as they present themselves—not after the fact when nothing can be done. Once the tree is cut down it’s gone! I was very angry. I was very sad. I then realized I too was responsible for the loss of these trees. By blaming the construction workers or the Town I could project my anger outward and therefore not see or feel See MAPLES next page

Pandemic patios and cold pops

S

tage 3 COVID-19 numbers for the Region continue to be very good. As of this writing there are no cases of C-19 in any Regional hospital. The reproductive number at the beginning of the week was exceptionally impressive, be- Marvin Junkin ing at .5. However, again as of Saturday it was .9, somewhat higher, but still below 1, which they tell me the experts like to see it under. While doing business around town, I noticed there is still the occasional person who will forget to don a mask before entering a business. Depending on the business, the interaction that I have witnessed is either the owner will transact the business “this” time, but next time you will be required to be wearing a mask, or, once inside, and seeing everyone wearing a mask, the offender will do a 180-degree turn and go back to their car to get theirs. Friday afternoon, Candice and I visited a local patio for a pop or two, and I am happy to report there was no wait time. This is actually the first time since the patios have been open that we were able to be seated. Sipping a cold one under the shady umbrella brought back memories of past summers, and friendly get-togethers. I certainly hope that we get a warm, dry fall, so that these patios will be with us for a few more months. With summer a bit past its halfway point, roadside produce stands are at their peak as

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far as selection goes. When one hears of the food shortages in other countries, caused either by civil unrest, or extreme weather conditions, it truly is amazing the abundance and variety of food found in these roadside stalls, and the Canadian food system as a whole. Like too many other good things, and it is a long list, food is just one of many basics that, as Canadians, we take for granted. There was good news on the Town’s financial front this week. Some two weeks ago, the federal government announced that it would be allocating $7 billion dollars to the Province of Ontario, of which $4 billion was to be distributed to the province’s 444 municipalities. The Town has been informed that we will be receiving $446,000, being released in the first round. The first round amounts to less than half of the $4 billion total. Municipal treasurers will have to make business plans, showing if their municipalities deserve more. Rest assured that Pelham’s Treasurer Teresa Quinlin and her crew will be going through all Town receipts, tracking down any additional C-19 expenditures. The Town shouts out a big “Thank You!” to the two higher levels of government. On the national jobs front, the Canadian workforce grew by 952,900 jobs in June, and a further 420,000 jobs in July. These two numbers combined represent over 55% of the total jobs lost back in March and April. This great country is picking itself up by the bootstraps, and starting to roll again! Until next time…

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continued from previous page and loyal friends who have been there for me in my times of need. Church attendees and atheists alike fall into a spectrum of human emotion from extreme happiness to despair. Urging us to attend church because it is “good for us” is an expression of personal belief only; it doesn’t fit for all of us. David Fowler Wainfleet

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Page 6

The Voice, August 19, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OBITUARY

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Diana Huson, Regional Councillor

OBITUARY

Niagara Region update

T

he summer has been a busy time at the Region with some important issues brought forward for discussion. By far the most engaging issue we’ve addressed has been the Regional bylaw mandating mandatory masks. I previously wrote as to why I am in favour and was encouraged to see the rest of Regional Council come around and support the idea that this is an effective tool to combat COVID-19. We’re still learning and adapting policy where possible to respond to the virus, both in Niagara and across the world. Most decision-makers are now in agreement that this is a good decision for community safety. It’s encouraging to see many residents adapting and wearing masks without issue. Thanks to all who have embraced mask wearing and are helping make this a smooth transition! We’ve had a number of meetings to specifically discuss issues pertaining to policing, such as police reform, police budgeting, the use of body cameras, the use of force, training, mental health calls, systematic racism and more. I am very appreciative of Chief MacCulloch for being available to listen to citizen delegations, provide more information, respond to our questions and reflect on what changes can be made to improve Niagara’s Regional Police Service. He pointed out that the NRP is not perfect, but no one person or single organization is. We all have room to improve, to grow and to adapt. But more importantly, a message he stated clearly and repeatedly, is that it’s in the best interest of the police service to serve all members of the community and that includes our marginalized populations. However, I do want to specifically draw attention to mental health as it relates to policing. Mental health calls have escalated drastically over the past few years, putting many pressures on our police force. The NRP has had to respond to these calls, but are quick to point out that they are not mental health practitioners and are ill equipped to adequately provide mental health support. It’s a tricky situation. For this reason, we now have a Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team, in place since 2015, that partners an NRP uniformed officer with a Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) worker. The program has been very successful, but is funded provincially through CMHA and

only operates in St. Catharines and Thorold. This leaves a significant portion of our communities without this support, and quite frankly provides a different service response to citizens who live outside of that area, including Pelham. It’s a huge problem and we need a solution. I’m hopeful that once we enter budget deliberations some potential options will be presented for us to explore. We have to do better on this issue. On a different note, I brought forward a motion requesting the Region to ask the province to declare childcare as essential to economic recovery. It further asks the province to partner with the federal government on a national childcare strategy. I brought this forward because we’ve had many conversations about the importance of schooling and back-to-school planning. However, childcare is an equally important aspect of that conversation and it’s not getting the attention it deserves at this time. It’s been well-documented that the pandemic has had a far greater impact on job losses or reduced hours, subsequently impacting income earnings, when it comes to women. This is largely because women have had to pick up the slack when it comes to school and childcare closures. It’s so significant that women are now participating in the workforce at a rate of 55%, the lowest it’s been in three decades. And local data has also shown they are unable to return to the workforce as quickly as their male counterparts (specifically in Niagara) as hiring and reopening has reoccurred. This is alarming because of what it means for economic recovery. If women are unable to work, households have less money, consumer spending goes down, and subsequently our number one tool for recovery, namely consumer spending, is now at risk. More importantly, research shows that childcare can function as an economic multiplier. In a report by the University of Toronto, it was demonstrated that for every one public dollar invested in licensed childcare, there is a egional economic output of $2.27. Childcare is not a “woman’s issue,” it’s not a “personal issue,” it’s a societal and economic issue. Developing this kind of public infrastructure is good for families, is good for our economy and just makes a lot of sense! The motion will be circulated to other municipalities, and the prov-

MAPLES

continued from previous page my part in this. As a result, our exchanges with councillors and Town employees have brought to their attention the necessity of creating an improved tree program in Pelham that is said to be moving forward. This is something I can participate in and be a voice for the trees. And so I end with my ode to the

Gerald MacDonald Walker, Sylvia The family of Sylvia Jean Walker (Hunt) announces with sorrow her unexpected, but peaceful passing at home on Monday, August 10, 2020 in her 77th year. Sylvia will be loved and forever missed by Brian, her husband of 53 years. Loving mother of Barclay (Amanda Bell) and Andrew (Jennifer Mueller). Cherished and doting grandmother of Hannah and Benjamin. Survived by her brother, Len Hunt, and brothers-in-law David, Gordon, and Russell Walker. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she loved very much. Predeceased by her parents, Ivan Hunt and Hazel Hunt (Slingerland). Sylvia was born in Niagara Falls and raised in Willoughby on her parents’ farm where she developed her love of animals, especially her dogs and horses. Sylvia graduated from McMaster University with a B. Sc. in Nursing. She was one of nineteen students in her class and she remained good friends with many of her classmates for over 50 years. After graduating she embarked on a career in public health nursing in Toronto, Sudbury, and primarily in the Niagara Region. Sylvia was extremely caring and very involved in improving the lives of disadvantaged people. In recognition of her dedication and caring, she received the Marjorie Hiscott Keyes Medal from the Canadian Mental Health Association for her work in community psychiatric nursing. In addition to her work as a nurse, a major passion in her life was the ince, who I hope can see the value and opportunity this policy can provide. I hope everyone enjoys these last few weeks of summer (where did the time go!) and I am sending thoughts out to families who are making a very difficult decision as to how to handle the school year come September. You have to do what’s best for your family, and we

maples and to all trees, taken from the book “Braiding Sweetgrass,” by Robin Wall Kimmerer, the most eloquent and heartfelt book I have ever read. “My Onondaga Nation neighbors call the maple the leader of the trees. Trees constitute the environmental quality committee running air and water purification service 24/7. They create habitat for songbirds and wildlife cover, golden leaves to shuffle through,

Hope Centre in Welland. She chaired the group responsible for building the first centre on East Main Street and the emergency shelter on Division Street. She continued to volunteer on behalf of the Hope Centre until very recently. After her retirement from Public Health in 1999, Sylvia devoted her time and energy to the Fenwick United Church Women’s group and their community outreach programs. Sylvia enjoyed singing and was a long-time member of the church choir. Her organization skills, her compassion as well as her jams and baking will be greatly missed by her church family. Her family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the ICU at Hamilton General Hospital and the wonderful caring staff at the Woolcott Wing of the Welland Hospital, who tended to her until she returned home in April. Special thanks to Dr. Venter for his exemplary care for the past sixteen years. The family also thanks her many caring friends who continued to visit with her and call her during her journey after her heart surgery last year. In keeping with Sylvia's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private interment will be scheduled for a later date. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Fenwick United Church Women or to the Hope Centre, Welland. And whenever you can, do something kind for someone, especially someone in need. She would love that. Online condolences may be shared at pelhamfuneralhome.ca should all try to understand and respect those difficult decisions. As always, if there are any issues that are important to you or you would like more information on, please reach out to me any time at Diana. huson@niagararegion.ca. I love connecting with my constituents on the issues that are most important to them. ◆

tree forts and branches for swings. Centuries of the falling leaves have built the soil, now farmed for strawberries, apples, sweet corn and hay. How much of the oxygen in our valley comes from our maples? How much carbon is taken from the atmosphere and stored away? These processes are what ecological scientists term ecosystem services, the structures and functions of the natural world that make life possible. (My aside, let

Gerald Patrick MacDonald passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday August 12th, 2020 at the age of 93 years young. Beloved husband of Regina, loving father to Robert (Catharine MacDonald), Ellen (Vic Beacock), and Doug (Karen Gleeson). Cherished grandpa & papa to Sarah Hlady (Todd Hlady), Erin MacDonald, Amy MacDonald, Ian Beacock, Spencer Beacock (Kate Hale-Wilkes), and Emily Beacock and great-grandfather to Addison and Emmett Hlady. Predeceased by parents Patrick (1937) and Anne (1951), Sister Betty (1990) brother Alex (1944) and infant brother John (1918). Gerry was born in Welland, Ontario on December 19th, 1926 to Patrick MacDonald and Anne McLaren. Gerry grew up in the family home on River Road and was a proud native of Welland. He attended Central School, the Welland High & Vocational School and the University of Buffalo. He was a proud and long-time employee of Atlas Steels in Welland – following the death of his brother Alex in 1944 in the Battle of Normandy, Gerry left school and began his career at Atlas in the drawing office and progressed through many of the company’s departments as foreman and retiring in 1989 as Utilities Engineer. Gerry met a smart, independent and lovely lady named Regina Kraus in 1951 at the Welland Tennis Club, who became the love of his life. They married in 1953 and shared 67 wonderful and happy years together, at both their little apartment on McAlpine Avenue in Welland and their house on Haist Street in Fonthill. Their first child Rob was born in 1955, followed by Ellen in 1958 and Doug in 1966. Gerry had a great many interests and was a great fan of sports, especially his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays. He liked nothing more than settling in on a cold Saturday winter night with a fire in the fireplace and watching the

this sink in—that make life possible.) We can assign an economic value to maple timber, or gallons of maple syrup, but ecosystem services are far more precious. And yet the services go unaccounted for in the human economy. As with services of local government, we don’t think about them unless they are missing. There is no official tax system to pay for these services, as we pay for snow plow-

Leafs. Gerry had a very keen interest in history and a very special interest in the history of the Canadian troops in the Second World War. He was a charter member of the Kirkon-the-Hill Presbyterian Church in Fonthill and was instrumental in helping to start the new church in Fonthill in 1957; he served as its Clerk of Session for many years. Gerry served as councillor on the Village of Fonthill Council in the 1960’s and ran for Reeve. He was a long-time member of the Fonthill Masonic Lodge. Outside of his family and church, Gerry’s greatest love was time spent at the cottage on Jo Lee Point at Lake of Bays, where he spent many days and weeks enjoying time with family and friends, and “puttering” around the place. Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Scholar, Engineer, Politician, Youth Baseball Coach, Swimmer, Fisherman, Waterskier, Prize Rose Gardener, Proud Canadian, A Great Friend to so many throughout his life, and the best Dad ever was Gerry. Cremation has taken place in keeping with Gerald’s wishes. A private interment will take place at the Fonthill cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to either the Juravinski Cancer Centre or the Kirk-on-the-Hill Presbyterian Church. If a life is measured not by riches amassed but by kindness to others, then Gerry lived a full and rich life. He was compassionate, generous, and a man of great integrity. I have a journey sir, shortly to go My Master calls me, I must not say no The weight of this sad time we must obey Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say The oldest hath borne most. We that are young shall never see so much, nor live so long. William Shakespeare, King Lear Online condolences may be shared at www.pelhamfuneralhome.ca

ing and school books. We get them for free donated continually by the maples. They do their share for us. The question is: How well do we do by them?” So I ask: What can I do? What can we do together? Edie Pett Fonthill

a

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The Voice, August 19, 2020

WARD 1 CANDIDATE OP-ED James Federico

WARD 1 CANDIDATE OP-ED Maria Brigantino

In Ward 1, a need for vision and representation

T

he choice to run in this election was a difficult one. First, I know all of the residents of Ward 1 would rather have Mr. Ciolfi on council continuing to be our voice. This weighs on me still, and will continue to. Second, the rest of this council session will necessarily be focused on pandemic response and recovery, so the opportunity to deliver solutions for some of our overriding issues will be limited. While a challenge, this really means that we all will have to work harder and find ways to be efficient and effective. Ultimately the decision to run came down to this: We in Ward 1 need stronger representation, and Pelham as a whole needs a new vision to carry us through the next 20, 40, 60 years. I believe I have the skills and experience to deliver these things for Ward 1, and I believe that if you can help, you should help. As I have campaigned through Ward 1, several issues have come up: Representation: From the Welland River to the edge of St. Catharines, Victoria Avenue to the Welland border, residents in Ward 1 feel that their issues are not heard. The pressures created by cannabis production and other heavy industries. Piecemeal development: Developers seem to be able to skirt zoning bylaws, whereas residents have to jump through hoops to get additions or garages built. Housing mix: As our property values rise, young families are priced out of the market, and seniors looking to downsize are forced to move out of town. For me, these issues are all related, and come down to two foundational items: representation and vision. And the more I hear from residents, the more important this election becomes, as does the choice we make on September 15.

way 20." "The roads are so poor up here I don't even like driving my tractor on them." "This intersection is completely blind, and has been for years. I can't understand why we don't James Federico. have a stop sign." DON RICKERS Poth Street, Sulphur Springs, Maple Acre Library. When there is a "hard decision" to be made and something needs to be cut or delayed, you can count on it happening in Ward 1. This comes down to representation. Despite being one-third of the residents, we do not seem to be entitled to onethird of the service. Ward 1 is ripe with items that need tweaking: low impact, low cost changes that will improve life for residents immediately. I have an ever-growing list of these items, from parking signage and demarcation, to stop signs and guard rails. Residents are asking for small changes, and those requests are not being heard. It is time to get moving and start implementing these changes, or at least explaining to residents why they can't be done. One example is our level railway crossings: on a quiet night you can hear every train whistle from River Road to Boyle. There is a process, which starts at Town Council, to evaluate level crossings to see if they can become no-whistle crossings. I have discussed this issue with councillors who served as far back as the '90s. To their recollection, it has never been brought to council. This is the kind of small, low cost tweak that can be implemented almost immediately, and have a dramatic effect on our quality of life. All it takes is a vision, and a representative willing to explore it.

"James, nothing gets built north of High-

See FEDERICO next page

Representation

Page 7

PATIO OR TAKEOUT!

Slandering the unknown

F

irst, let me double-high-five you for taking the time to read this editorial and informing yourself about me as a Ward 1 candidate. If you’re feeling like, “Who is Maria Brigantino,” and “Why should I vote for someone who lives in Fonthill,” please read more. I’ve spent over 15 years in municipal healthcare management and municipal consulting, which required me to fully understand the Municipal Act, the role of councillors, the roles of committees, volunteers and the important function an experienced representative plays in the ward and in the Town. I’ve had the advantage of working with municipal mentors and previous councillors who were effective and also those who endlessly went down rabbit holes in search of scandal, slander, opposing viewpoints, irrational logic and immoral behaviour— I’ve seen and worked with it all! So when I threw my name in the hat my intention was never to criticize or slander the current council, previous councils or my opponents. After all, how can anyone slander the unknown? I’ve heard from many people who think I’m straight-up crazy for running and especially for running in a ward that doesn’t include my address. Like any good

job interview, it’s a c omp e t ition and the most qualified and experienced candidate Maria Brigantino. should be DON RICKERS selected. I am running because I have proven municipal experience. My work career has been spent supporting processes, systems, and people within government and on issues that were outside my own neighbourhood, town or region. I might even suggest that leaders are more effective when they don’t bring their own biases into important decisions. When I think about the important role of councillors I think it’s important to focus on the strengths of the community, the residents, staff, elected officials, consultants and align decision-making with what makes sense for the greater good today and in the future. Although letting go of the notion that a Ward 1 representative should live in the ward feels unsafe, I’d like you to consider how many past councillors in similar situations have excelled in their roles and decide what leadership skills, qualities and experience made them successful.

I am running to leverage my leadership skills, facilitation and experience, not to “fix,” “slander,” or “demean” others. When you think about who you might vote for this by-election, know that I’m in the running not to promote any personal, political, professional or hidden agenda, but instead to give back to the community. I wanted you to know who I am and “why” I am running. In dealing with most of the key issues that have been brought forward by Ward 1 residents (e.g., cannabis production nuisances, RBC redevelopment, gypsy moths, Library Board) they are not unique to Ward 1 and require the whole council to collaborate and make evidence-informed decisions to serve the best interests of residents in Ward 1. A live virtual event will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 9 AM, to answer any questions you might have for me as a candidate. Email “send me the details” to register at hello@maria4pelham.ca by Monday, August 24, 2020. Find out more about me at www.maria4pelham.ca ◆ The Voice has invited each of the six candidates running in Ward 1 to submit commentaries. This week we hear from Maria Brigantino and James Federico, both starting on this page.

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The Voice, August 19, 2020

FEDERICO

continued from previous page

Cannabis and other heavy industries

In the last few months, the Cannabis Control Committee has put strong bylaws and changes to the Official Plan in place to deal with the smells from the current producers, and limit where new producers can locate. The work of the committee is admirable, but it is reactionary. We are reacting to issues that came up after cannabis producers started operating. There was no forethought as permits were granted and greenhouses were constructed. It was only after operations started that the consequences were considered. And this whack-a-mole approach will continue as we "discover" the longer term impacts of cannabis producers, commercial greenhouses, and other heavy industries located in Ward 1. These businesses put more strain on our road networks, increasing traffic and deteriorating the asphalt. Residents are frustrated with increased noise and interaction with heavy trucks. We are barely talking about impacts on groundwater and the electrical grid. We want our businesses to be successful, but Ward 1 residents are being asked to pay for these successes with a reduced quality of life, and a reduced level of service. We need a vision that shares these burdens proportionally, and we need representation for both residents and businesses to make sure that happens. I will work to create a plan for industrial development in Ward 1, one that identifies transportation corridors to keep heavy trucks away from our residential areas as much as possible, a plan that shares the costs of road repairs and

improvements with businesses, a plan that looks ahead to identify and consider longer term impacts, instead of reacting to problems as they appear.

Piecemeal development

I spent four years as chair of the Committee of Adjustment for the Town of Pelham. In that role I heard a consistent frustration from residents that I didn't really understand until I started campaigning. As I meet with residents, their frustrations have become clear: when a developer buys a property, they seem to be able to skirt our zoning bylaws and build whatever they want. When a homeowner wants an addition, or a garage that looks like all their neighbours’ garages, they have to wait three or six months, pay additional fees, and endure some uncomfortable meetings before they can even apply for a permit. As a homeowner, it feels like the playing field is not level. This imbalance comes down to money and experience: a developer typically has deeper pockets, and therefore access to experts and lawyers that a typical homeowner does not. They've also been there before, so they know how to speak the language. This comes back to representation and vision: our zoning bylaw was enacted in 1987, when I was splitting my time between mucking stalls and playing Super Mario Brothers. The world of 1987 does not exist anymore. The needs of homeowners have changed over time, as have the needs of business and industries. The province is asking municipalities to meet different requirements. We are trying to filter all of these competing needs through a set of rules that are outdated. We need a vision for our future development. With East Fonthill more-or-less completed, the de-

velopment eye will turn to Ward 1. We need to get ahead of the developers and enact a comprehensive zoning bylaw that makes it easy for homeowners to develop their properties to suit their needs, while ensuring developers have a clear set of rules and can invest in building the kind of town we want to live in. This cannot be done without representation—a strong voice with experience in planning and development, who can interpret the desires of residents into clear, achievable directives. This is how I earn my living now, and one of the main reasons I am running: to understand the needs of Ward 1 residents and communicate them clearly to staff to ensure that we can build and develop our homes efficiently. And to put a clear, reasonable set of standards in place for future development, so residents can feel confident that the character of our town can be maintained and improved upon, without becoming another set of subdivisions and strip malls.

Housing mix

Of all of the concerns I have heard from residents, this is the one that is nearest to my heart. If I achieve nothing else with this campaign, I want to start a conversation about our housing mix. We all have been fortunate to see our home values rise. However, this is a double-edged sword. I spoke recently with a resident of Fenwick who has lived on Canboro Road for more than 40 years. As her family grew, she was able to move up through the housing market. Now as a widow with mobility issues she is looking to downsize. There are no homes in Fenwick that she can downsize to. Under current zoning, she can't find a way to rent out a portion of her house to supplement her income, and she can't find a place to rent so she can

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Fenwick is ideally positioned to add lower-cost housing with almost no impact on the character of the community

unlock the value of her home to support her through the rest of her life. After 40 years in Fenwick, she is being forced to leave her home, her home town, and her social supports. She has also been relying on her younger neighbours to look after her. Be it shopping or home maintenance needs, having younger families around her has allowed her to remain in her home as long as she has. This shows why a mix of housing types and costs is vital to a functioning community. Without lower-cost housing in an area, we force our seniors to leave town at a time where they need community support the most, and we cut young people out of the market entirely. Fenwick is ideally positioned to add lower-cost housing with almost no impact on the character of the community: we typically live on large lots with detached garages and barns. Allowing these outbuildings to become accessory dwellings will serve everyone's needs. First, they will provide a stock of more affordable housing for young people and for seniors who can't maintain their current homes. Second, they offer a way to add value to the property, while increasing affordability for owners—the abil-

ity to rent a portion of the property certainly helps pay the mortgage. It also allows for multi-generational homes, making it easier for the sandwich generation to care for older parents, or for grandparents to help care for young children. This type of development is "encouraged" by the province, in the same way paying your income tax is "encouraged" by the province: it's going to happen eventually. We can either start the conversation now and develop rules that work well for our community, or we can have the rules forced on us and try to whack down the problems that pop up after the fact. We need a vision for the future of our urban areas. I have laid out an idea above, but as a councillor, it is not my job to force my vision on anyone. It is to represent the needs of the ward and ensure what comes forward offers the best compromise.

In conclusion

I stated at the beginning of this article that this election is incredibly important. In the race to define the future of Ward 1, we are behind. Development of downtown Fenwick has started without a clear vision, and without representation. We need to get ahead of the issues we can see, and those we can reasonably foresee. We need to ensure that the costs and benefits of development are fairly distributed. We do not have time to start from scratch on this issue. We need a representative with a broad knowledge base who can guide the conversation. On September 15, as one of the two candidates who live in the ward and are eligible to vote, I will be voting for the candidate with the most experience turning vision in to practical results, with the deepest roots in Ward 1, and with the most experience in municipal governance. And I hope that you will too. ◆

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The Voice, August 19, 2020

Page 9

Ernie Hardeman enjoys peachy Niagara visit BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

It was a glorious summer day last Monday in the heart of peach country, and a perfect opportunity for Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ernie Hardeman, to learn more about the tender-fruit eco-system in Niagara. The Minister’s theme? “Buy grown-in-Ontario.” Hardeman had been invited by Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff to tour the DeVries Farm in Fenwick, and its recently expanded storage, production, and retail operations. “Some of the best tender fruit in the country is grown right here,” proudly proclaimed Oosterhoff, having just taken a bite of a juicy peach. “We have agriculture people from around the world coming to Niagara to gain industry insights and tap the expertise of our farmers.” He added that many of the peach, apple, and plum varieties grown in Niagara were bred at the nearby Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. Farmers got some good news recently, as Hardeman announced $50 million in additional funding for the Ontario Risk Management Program, which he says will benefit farmers in Niagara and beyond as they deal with market volatility and other risks beyond their control like flooding, drought, and disease. “We listened to feedback from

the farming sector, and accelerated our promise to increase the Risk Management Program to $150 million a year earlier than planned,” said the Minister. "Our government stands shoulder to shoulder with our farmers during these unprecedented times, said Premier Doug Ford through a government statement. “As we chart a path to recovery, we will be there for our farmers and their workers to help them continue to put food on our tables.” Farmers can also access the $15 million Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program, which provides safety measures for employees, such as personal protective equipment, medical testing, cleaning and disinfection, and modifications to the workplace to boost physical distancing. Unexpected COVID costs for housing and transportation are also covered. Field Manager Dan DeVries, who led the entourage through the orchards and the farm’s new controlled-climate storage facilities, noted that farmers can’t simply grow crops like they did 25 years ago. “Innovation and product improvement is an ongoing process to provide the consumer with the best quality and selection,” he said. Proof is seen in the farm’s 20 varieties of apples, with new hybrids continually being tested. Hardeman praised farm innovation and research as he plucked a ripe peach from the tree. “They are breeding for traits,

From left, Ernie Hardeman, Sam Oosterhoff, and Field Manager Dan DeVries take a close look at some peaches. DON RICKERS like extended shelf life. If you’re trying to get peaches to market and consumed two days after they’re picked, that's not going to be sustainable. So you have to develop a longer shelf life…it just makes sense for the industry,” he said. The DeVries Fruit Farm is truly a family-run endeavor. Leo, the patriarch, and his wife Margaret bought the property back in 1984, and have been joined by sons Dan and Mark, and daughter Andrea, in the business. They plant and harvest a broad range of fruits and vegetables on their 250 acres, including such favorites as peaches, plums, cherries, and strawberries in the summer, and grapes, apples, and pears in the fall. In search of fresh corn, asparagus, squash, or pumpkins? They’ve got it, in season. And they have expanded their retail store to include a wide selection of preserves, pies, maple syrup, eggs, cider, and canned goods. DeVries Fruit Farm produce is

also available at farmers markets throughout the region. A portion of the fall crop is donated to Niagara Christian Gleaners in West Lincoln, who use surplus produce to feed the hungry. The farm has nine wind generators in place throughout the property, and DeVries considers them to be “absolutely indispensable.” The turbines mix up the air, making nights warmer and days cooler. These effects help the crops by making frosty nights less common, and reducing the number of sweltering days that stress plants. It is a big investment, as is the installation of trickle irrigation, which mitigates the agricultural risk when rain is infrequent. “The payback has been huge in terms of crop consistency,” said DeVries. Like his father, DeVries is passionate about farming, a profession which he feels has great dignity. “Agriculture is one of our most important industries, like health-

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care and education,” he said. “Growing quality food in this province has got to be on our radar. COVID was a wake-up call for many people, who realized that you can’t just get stuff overnight. If the borders are closed, the more food that we can source locally the better.” He noted that the three giant food providers in Canada—Loblaws, Sobeys, and Metro—control the marketplace, and accordingly dictate prices. “That’s why we've gone in a different direction with our business, trying to retail more of the crop ourselves and direct market to stores,” said DeVries. During peak periods, the farm staff totals 35, of which 18 are seasonal migrant workers from offshore. Farming is a labour-intensive business, and migrant workers are essential. “We couldn’t do without them,” said DeVries. “If we didn't have them, there would be a lot less grown in Niagara. When it's 90 degrees, with a relative humidity of 70 percent, it’s the migrant workers who are in the fields, doing the work.” He bristles at the occasional negative media report which cites instances of mistreatment of offshore workers. “We are respectful of our workers. That’s why they keep coming back, year after year.” DeVries speaks of the farm and their labour with a deeply-rooted reverence. “We believe that this is our calling…to grow food for people. We're a family of faith, and we want to provide for our community with high quality produce and fruit at a fair price.” Ontario has an estimated 49,600 farms that contribute almost $7.6 billion annually to the province’s economy.

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Page 10

The Voice, August 19, 2020

Letters

ANOTHER ROUND

by JOHN PICCOLO

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

continued

No council news is good news The best season in a generation—now let's build on it

T

he golf business continues to have the best year in decades as people who would otherwise be travelling, playing baseball, soccer, hockey, horseshoes, jai alai, and virtually all other activities, are playing golf more often or giving it a try for the first time. The golf course is likely the most normal place on the planet. People don their masks upon entering the clubhouse but once outside, with a few restrictions, they are free to carry on as usual. A few people lie about living in the same house so they can share a cart and take part in a few other COVID infidelities here and there, and keeping 5-to-12-year-olds socially distanced (without a 1:1 ratio) in junior camp is a write-off, but everything else runs pretty smoothly. What does this mean for golf in the long run? You would figure all this exposure should lead to long-term growth. I’m not convinced. The same issues that have kept people from the game in the past or caused them to leave it are still there. The game is expensive, takes a long time to play, requires patience, and is very frustrating if you don’t find success or have the access or means to acquire it. Here is something I recommended many years ago and I think would be more likely than ever to be accepted and catch on with the influx of new players. The very small group of people with little diversity who control and patrol the rules of this game need to get their heads out of their backsides and formulate a second set of rules for the recreational golfer. As it stands, whether you are six or 60, portly or spindly, keen or just curious, you are held to the same standards as Rory McIlroy. If you start to play minor hockey as a youngster, it is now mandated that the games go across the ice instead of the length. There is no hitting until bantam (12-ish). Oldtimers hockey bans hitting and slap shots. Back-checking is highly recommended by the goalies but thought of as optional by the other positional players. The rules have been altered to help facilitate the enjoyment of the game. It is still hockey and a great source of exercise and social engagement for many. I have been teaching golf for close to 25 years (holy crap). By far the one element

of the game which causes more grief than all others combined is hitting shots off the short grass (chipping would be second). The time and understanding it takes to gain confidence in this skill is beyond what most individuals are willing to invest in. All the dumb-dumbs who run this game need to do is change one damned rule. Are you ready? After the tee shot, in which you are currently allowed to use a tee and which most players can at least make decent contact, if not have much of an idea of where it might land (see men up to the age of 80 or so), the recreational golfer will be allowed to adjust their lie in whichever manner they please within one club length of the place it has come to rest. Yes, that means the foot wedge that so many of you use illicitly, or just blatantly teeing that sucker up. A very small percentage of golfers take the game seriously enough to keep a handicap (most of you don’t know what that means right?) and a majority who do cheat at least a little (or a lot; see Trump, Donald), so the legitimacy is iffy at best. (Anonymous surveys of PGA tour players have half of them say they have witnessed cheating on tour). Let the better players or people who lean in that direction continue to pray to the 3”-thick rule book. For everyone else let freedom ring. Stop making people feel guilty for doing something that helps them be more successful and enjoy the game more. You may say that if people want to play that way there is nothing stopping them but that is not how our species rolls. The vast majority of us want to follow the rules and fit in. We have to carve these in stone to make people feel more accepted. Give people the greatest chance to succeed and some may gain the confidence and desire to move over to the competitive side. Make them learn under the burden of being the best and I fear the numbers will revert to the norm once more recreational options become available. We don’t need or want our hobby to be frustrating. That is what we have work and children for. ◆ John Piccolo is a multiple nominee of the Buckeye Newshawk and Silver Sow Awards. We believe this effort is his best chance of finally hoisting this prestigious silverware.

Last week's paper was a nice change of pace, since we finally could read about some stories that didn't deal with only the political and personal turmoil within council. I personally liked the cover shot and centrespread about Merrittville Speedway. Former Mayor Leaven's assessment of former council's actions of the mishandling of funds and missed opportunities of grants was correct, as well as the terrible design and layout of buildings/parking that has surely destroyed any small-town character that was left, and this doesn't even include the ongoing mishandling of design and maintenance of the brickpaving-stone-style of parking and the struggle of businesses to function within the parameters imposed by the Town and its bylaw enforcement. Don't you think businesses and residents have struggled enough during this pandemic, economically, without having to endure parking tickets ? Former town council and its bad decisions caused the financial hardship regarding the community centre and the problems with streetscapes in Fonthill and Fenwick, not the residents, but we always pay for the mistakes. On another note, no one on this council has publicly said anything about the challenge to our cannabis bylaw. Why is Leviathan being allowed to raise plants outside and function at all? Apparently they have

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Special to the VOICE

ister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark. As part of the federal-provincial “Safe Restart Agreement” with municipalities, Pelham will receive just under $447,000 as a first round of funding to offset the various financial impacts of the coronavirus

pandemic. “The federal and provincial governments have really stepped up,” CAO David Cribbs told the Voice. Town Treasurer and Director of Corporate Services Teresa Quinlin broke down the funding as $428,500 for the municipality, plus See RELIEF next page

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makes no sense— no wonder Niagara Falls wanted to opt out. The result of all this should be controlling spending and keeping our property taxes affordable for all. If the pandemic teaches us all one lesson, it is debt management and spending wisely, staying within budget. A 4.5% tax prediction isn't good enough. Try for 0%, because we know the Region, the province and the feds eventually will have their hands out regarding the deficit. Congratulations to Jim Ryan of Fenwick on his induction to the Canadian Street Rod Hall of Fame and to the Voice for giving Merrittville Speedway recognition for surviving and thriving for nearly 70 seasons. There are a lot of Pelham residents who are part of our car hobby and racing family. Rick Kavanagh Fenwick

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been charged under the interim bylaw, but I am sure they were daring council anyway. Where do we stand in Fenwick, surrounded by CannTrust, a defiant Leviathan, and the ever-odourous Redecan? It is one thing to have a workable bylaw, it is quite another to have Town employees that have the will to enforce it. I challenge council and Town employees to remember what residents said at the public meetings that were held at the community centre. The" stinky" issue that is festering at the Regional level that impacts all our communities this October is garbage and recycling. Why is it that our representatives at the Region of Niagara and from Pelham could approve a predicted cost increase of 33%, when in fact our garbage will be picked up half as often, even though recycling stays the same. This

Pelham gets nearly $450K in COVID relief

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continued from previous page $18,344 for transit operations. Quinlin’s current projections peg the lost revenue to the Town of Pelham due to the pandemic at $669,336 by Dec. 31. While the letter from Clark’s office stresses any unused funds be placed into reserve for next year, the ministry is also allowing municipalities to apply for a second round of relief funding before Oct. 30. Quinlin said that Pelham will take them up on that offer. “We will be applying for phase two funding,” she said. The Ontario government last month pledged a total of $4.4 billion in relief for all 444 of the province’s municipalities. Quinlin had said on July 27 that if Pelham received nothing, the Town would be looking at a 4.5 percent tax levy increase next year. “This combination of federal and provincial funding is gratefully received and very well timed,” Cribbs added. “The Town has commenced work on its 2021 budgets — capital, operating and water/wastewater. Beyond the obvious help the money provides in reducing the Town’s financial losses attributable to the pandemic, this funding also helps staff make better assessments of the Town’s financial standing by providing both clarity and certainty at this critical juncture.” Pelham has seen many of its revenue streams return in the last two months, mainly through the re-issuing of building permits and the reopening of both ice pads at the community centre. Cribbs credited the latter to an “entrepreneurial” approach. “Town council and administration made a number of difficult decisions over the past five months that involved freezing controllable spending, laying off 33 staff, deferring $1.5 million in capital spending and adapting an entrepreneurial mindset with regard to opening the Accipiter Arena six weeks early [compared to pre-COVID planning] to increase revenues,” he said. “Beyond taking aggressive steps to address the financial threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town has succeeded in reopening the majority of its services and facilities in a safe manner that has avoided negative health outcomes.”

R

The Voice, August 19, 2020

Page 11

Proposed re-zoning on Haist Street alarms neighbours BY HELEN TRAN

Special to the VOICE

A sign with the words “PUBLIC NOTICE” stands at the corner of the lot on 1307 Haist Street intersecting Pancake Lane. The bright yellow injects a sense of urgency into an otherwise mellow neighbourhood mostly filled with single detached homes, neatly groomed lawns, colourful flowers, and many sprawling, mature trees. Dave and Kathryn Sisler, who have lived in the area for 31 years, first noticed the sign on one of their daily walks. At first, they thought that a bigger house, or two smaller houses were being proposed. However, the details of the public notice revealed a plan that, for them, raised many concerns. The notice informs any passersby that an application has been submitted to the Town of Pelham requesting to amend the Zoning By-Law and convert the property from R1 (Residential 1) to a site-specific RM1 (Residential Multiple 1). The proposal is for “3 street townhouse units with each being capable of having an accessory dwelling unit.” An “accessory dwelling unit” is a section of the existing dwelling with its own separate kitchen, living area and entrance, sometimes called a granny or mother-in-law suite. This means that even though three townhouses are proposed, there may actually be six apartments in total if rezoning is approved. The driveways for these units would either back down a steep slope onto busy Haist Street, or onto Pancake Lane, which would necessitate the removal of greenery and many mature trees that, according to the residents, add to the “com-

The proposed development site on Haist Street at Pancake Lane. munity character of the neighbourhood. When Kathryn Sisler first saw the sign, she noted that the public Town Hall meeting on August 10 was only a few days away. She and the other concerned residents on Haist and Pancake had only a limited amount of time to spread the word and submit their concerns in writing to the Town. As Sisler took a petition from door to door, it became clear that the majority of people who lived in the area were unaware of the proposed rezoning. A notice had been sent in the mail, but many did not receive it until a few days after the public notice was placed. While the COVID-19 pandemic made community organization and actual face-to-face interaction difficult, Sisler used a face mask and alcohol spray for her pen to make signing her petition as safe as possible. Despite the pandemic, Sisler was able to gain 90 signatures in just a few days. She believes that in more normal circumstances, she could have gotten more.

“People are very concerned,” said Sisler. “Especially when we started doing research about what the actual rules are according to the Town of Pelham’s official plan. Most people were very concerned about this setting a precedent for other properties.” According to Sisler, the neighbourhood was concerned about the disruption construction would cause, and that the new complex would change the character of the area. Even people who have recently moved to the neighbourhood did so because of the unique character of the community, which wasn’t easy to find elsewhere. “When you look up the street, you don’t see houses or cars, you see trees and the road,” said Sisler. “These units are going to really stick out and not fit into the community at all and they would completely destroy the look and feel of the neighborhood.” She also emphasized that according to the Town’s Official Plan, the proposed zoning should not be al-

HELEN TRAN

lowed. If the proposal did follow the rules, then the community would not be as opposed. The meeting regarding the proposal was conducted by Zoom video conference. All councillors were

in attendance, with Matt Kernahan, of Upper Canada Consultants, representing the developer who put forth the proposal. Any participants presenting comments or points had to pre-register. During the live session, viewers had the option of e-mailing the Clerk during the public portion of the meeting to make their comments public. However, no comments were received. The Sislers made a detailed slide presentation covering the concerns of the neighborhood. Numerous points were put forth to the Town Council, including that the rezoning request failed to meet Official Plan requirements for a maximum of 30% lot coverage; that the location has not been identified as an intensification corridor; inadequate parking; and increased traffic flow hazards, including for students See HAIST Page 13

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Posted Event Submissions Standards April 8United Church Fenwick

If your organization is hosting an event that would be of interest to the community, www.fenwickunited.com www.gladtidingschurchofgod.com you may submit an events profile by sending your community events information to Central editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca Some restrictions apply. Event submissions that meet Region Ads included the LIFT acceptability standards of TheWhere Voice ofcan Pelham will then be posted until the date Spirit? I flee FAITH HANDLEBARS This15The ad isCommunity to befrom printed by all participating Ontario papers Your presence? If Iisgo continued fromevent. Page continued fromPlease Page 14provide of your Events Calendar updated weekly. up to the heavens, You are as much notice and information as possible including the date, time and description there. If I make my bed in come our way for our own on a fitness regimen, and of your event. The Voice of Pelham reserves right toembarking edit for space. the depths, You are the there. good.” haven’t yet consulted a doctor or fit“Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone… One need not cry out very loudly; He is nearer to us than we think.”

What about you?

Henri Nouwen, a wellknown Christian author, tells of his initial reaction to this booklet. He wrote, "When I was exposed to his thoughts for the first time, they seemed simple, even somewhat naive and unrealistic." But as he reflected on it more, his view began to change. He came to realize that this simple insight was "not just a nice idea for a 17th-century monk but a most important challenge to our present-day life situation." King David asked, “Where can I go from Your

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea (in Canada for example; I added that), even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:7-10) Scripture teaches that God is always present with us and aware of us. The question is, “Are we aware of Him?” So, whether you’re washing the dishes, weeding the garden or sitting in your comfy chair right now reading the Voice, why not start practicing God’s presence? Brother Lawrence would be pleased. And more importantly, so would God. ◆

Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor who is still inspired by a long deceased Carmelite monk.

Fenwick Sub S Golden Grill Devries Fruit Ridderikhoff M

ness expert, the “PAR-Q & YOU” questionnaire is a great resource. (PAR-Q is an acronym for Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) The simple two-page questionnaire and information sheet will assist you in deciding whether or not to see a doctor before beginning a fitness program or regime, and provides basic information on activity groups (endurance, flexibility and strength), time required for meaningful fitness activities, risks and benefits, and additional links to Health Canada’s physical activity guidelines. PAR-Q was originally developed by the British Columbia Ministry of Health, then revised by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, and is now supported by Health Canada. The questionnaire begins, “If you are planning to become much more physically active than you are now, start by answering the seven questions in the box below. If you are between the ages of 15 and 69, the PAR-Q will tell you if you should check with a doctor before you start. Common sense is your best guide when you answer these ques-

The increased challenge of remaining fit may be another of our COVID-19 accommodations that yields unexpected benefits

tions...answer each one honestly.” The seven questions primarily ask about heart issues, balance and dizziness, bone and joint problems, and medications for blood pressure and heart conditions. The questionnaire then suggests a positive course of action based on your responses—from consulting a doctor if you answer yes to one or more questions, to beginning an exercise program slowly and building up gradually. The form explains that taking part in a fitness appraisal is recommended, post-questionnaire, as an “excellent way to determine your

basic fitness so you can plan the best way for you to live actively.” That last phrase is definitely a softsell approach, but in my opinion it’s a terrifically effective sale-closing tool. Who can argue with “…so you can plan the best way for you to live actively.” Of course we hope to live actively. Not many of us include watching more television or aching all over when we get out of bed in the morning on our bucket lists. Fitness is as important to enjoying our pets, friends and kids as it is to dreaming of snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef or exploring Angkor Wat. The increased challenge of remaining fit may be another of our COVID-19 accommodations that yields unexpected benefits. Wouldn’t that be a bonus we could all use? Find PAR-Q & YOU at: https:// su n ny bro ok .c a/uploads/pa r-q.p d f . Please note, the PAR-Q form has a liability disclaimer clearly printed on it, and there are lots of fitness professionals out there happy to assist you at any point of your fitness quest. A companion document called “Physical Activity Readiness Medical Examination” aimed at fitness and health professionals is also available to assist in evaluations. ◆

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, August 19, 2020

Page 13

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continued from Page 11 walking to A. K. Wigg Public School. After the Sislers’ slideshow concluded, other members of the community made their comments. Resident Jesse Cardinale highlighted the importance of the mature trees and foliage that might be cut down as a result of construction on the townhouses. Another resident, Natalie Kepchall, voiced similar concerns and asserted that more than half the students attending A. K. Wigg Public School walk on the already busy street. Councillors also spoke of their concerns about the proposed development. Councillor John Wink asked Kernahan about necessity of the “accessory apartments” that would turn the three townhouses into six units, and whether the developer would consider excluding them. Kernahan replied that he had not had the opportunity to discuss this specific issue with his client, but that the ultimate intention is to build only three townhouse dwellings to sell to three separate people. The fact that the public notice specifies the townhouse dwellings as “each being capable of having an accessory dwelling unit” was not addressed. Councillors Wink and Lisa Haun both re-addressed the trees and sightline issues regarding the foliage on the lot, while Councillor Marianne Stewart called the proposal a “distasteful” opportunity for the developer to make money. Kathryn Sisler’s feelings about the meeting

were mixed. She thought that many of the residents’ concerns were not directly addressed by the consultant. “We can’t have a backand-forth discussion on Zoom, nor can we question the representative of the developer the way we normally would in person,” Sisler said. “The meeting was run well, but Zoom has many constrictions and constraints. A lot of people wanted to participate but did not feel comfortable with Zoom for generational reasons, or they did not have the equipment to support the format. These are also the busiest vacation weeks of the summer, so many people were away.” She also mentioned that while the developer’s name was not disclosed, all who wanted to present their concerns had to publicly identify themselves. This discouraged many from speaking up. Since the meeting, Sisler says she has been told by councillors and Town planning staff that the staff would put together their recommendations based on the meeting and then bring those recommendations to the council for a vote. Regardless of how the vote goes, either side can appeal. The costs to do so can be prohibitive. Ultimately, Sisler hopes that with time more in the community will become aware of the public notice, do their own research, and feel more comfortable speaking up. “We as a community understand that there has to be intensification,” said Sisler, “but official plans are made to ensure that the intensification is done properly.”

Town looking to hire crossing guards BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Some people just look good in a fluorescent vest. If you count yourself amongst them, why not consider standing a watch in support of school safety, as a crossing guard? Pelham CAO David Cribbs characterized the job as being critical to the community, but one that doesn't usually get a lot of praise or recognition. And right now the Town has a shortage of people prepared to do the work. Cribbs doesn’t know if it's COVID related, or just cyclical. Pelham launches a recruitment drive every year, and this time around has had little response from the public thus far. So who fits the profile of your typical school crossing guard? “We have retired police officers and retired insurance salespeople as crossing guards, but also citizens who may have limited capacity to do other jobs. So the bottom line is that it attracts all

sorts of people who are civic-minded,” said Cribbs. The hours worked vary by location, and range from 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours per day, with morning and afternoon shifts. An example would be the Highway 20 and Haist Street location, where the shifts are 8:15 AM to 9 AM, and 3:15 PM to 4 PM. The rate of pay is $16.40 per hour. Assuming an average of 10 hours a week, that’s $656 per month to put in the cookie jar. The Town requires seven permanent guards and three reserve guards, and currently has openings for reserve guards. The reserve position is called upon when a permanent guard is unavailable, and opportunities exist for reserves to become permanent should vacancies occur. All crossing guards are provided with safety footwear, a high visibility rain jacket, a high visibility “five in one” jacket for all weather conditions, a baseball cap and toque, and of course a STOP sign.

Wayne Olson, a Fenwick retiree who is running for the open council seat in Ward 1, has been active as a school crossing guard (although he has taken a leave of absence for the by-election). Should he not be successful in his bid for political office, he says he fully plans to be back on a street corner, assisting students in their trek to and from school. Olson pointed out that safety is a huge issue in school zones, with distracted and aggressive drivers, plus inclement weather, adding to the perils for young children. “I really do commend the role of school crossing guard as a way to contribute to Pelham. It is a wonderful opportunity to serve,” Olson said. “You get to practice integrity every day. That is healthy.” Inquiries should be directed to Pelham’s municipal bylaw enforcement officer, Greg Young, at 905-892-2607 x207.

Good odds for a great cause: Pelham Cares raffle BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Nancy Yungblut spent most of her career working in administration for the Public Works department at the Town of Pelham. When she retired, she wanted to stay active in the community, and found her niche with Pelham Cares as the organization’s volunteer fundraising chair. She spoke with the Voice recently about their latest project. The organization has had to cancel its primary fall fundraiser, the Diamonds and Denim event, due to COVID-19, but has replaced it with a raffle draw—Pelham Cares Gives Back— that features some attrac-

tive prizes and decent odds of winning. Only 1000 tickets will be sold, and there is a one-in-250 chance to acquire one of the five prizes. Local businesses have provided gift card packages. The top two prizes are $1000 restaurant and $1000 shopping sprees. Participating restaurants include Peter Piper’s, Pelham Street Grille, Butcher and Banker, My Place, Mossimo’s, Grill on Canboro, Young Thai, Volcano’s, Indulgence Bakery, and more. Shopping spree businesses include Oliver and Rust, Designs by V, Pet Valu, PharmaChoice Pharmacy, Food Basics, Giant Tiger, and more. A $500 “Keep Calm and

Party On” bucket of potent potables and charcuterie is the third prize. Fourth prize includes four tickets to the 2021 Diamonds and Denim gala worth $200, and fifth prize features $100 of “On The Go” dining coupons from fast-food outlets. Tickets (one for $10, three for $25) are available from members of the board of directors, via e-mail (info@ pelhamcares.org), by phone (905-892-5300), and in person at the Pelham Cares office at 191 Highway 20 East. Cash, cheque, e-transfer, debit, and credit card are all accepted. The live draw is Saturday, October 3, at 10 AM. “2020 has been a challenging year at Pelham

Cares,” said Yungblut. “We have seen an increase in need within our community, and have been delivering many emergency food boxes to families and youth shelters.” Yungblut noted the much-appreciated support from Community Cares ongoing sponsors Boggio Fonthill Pharmacy, Pleasantview Funeral Home and Cemetery, DKI Miller Restoration, Root Bissonette Walker, Pelham Funeral Home, and Steworks Carpentry. “During this pandemic, we have really counted on our sponsors and our fundraisers to meet the need that is out there in Pelham,” she said.

Page 14

The Voice, August 19, 2020

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca Physical Activity Read iness Questionnaire - PARQ (revised 2002)

FROM THE HANDLEBARS

(A Questionnai Regular physical acti re for People vity is fun and hea Aged 15 to 69 lthy, and increasingl people. However, ) y more people are some people should star ting to become check with their doc If you are planning more active every tor before they star day. Being more to become much t bec omi ng muc active is very safe h more physically more physically acti ages of 15 and 69, active. for most ve than you are now the PAR-Q will tell , star t by answer you if you should very active, check ing the seven que check with your doc with your doctor. stions in the box tor before you star below. If you are t. If you are over Common sense is between the 69 years of age, your best guide whe and you are not use n you answer thes d to being e questions. Plea se read the questio YES ns carefully and ans NO wer each one hon estly: check YES or NO. 1.

by John Swart

COVID-19 pounds and the importance of PAR-Q and You

C

all it what you want; COVID-19 pounds, or Quarantine 15. For every person in Pelham that is walking, running or cycling this summer because of COVID-19, there’s someone sitting on the couch spending more time sedentary. For every individual now working from home and using a portion of their extra time to exercise, there’s someone who is using that time for trips to the fridge. I totally empathize. As someone with terrible keyboarding skills and the attention span of a hummingbird, getting up from

the computer every six or seven minutes for a snack is a wonderful diversion. Theories abound as to why many of us are putting on pounds/kilograms and becoming less fit: increased stress, disrupted schedules, increased alcohol consumption, and many more reasons. A CBC podcast last month asked, “What’s the best advice for losing my COVID-19 pounds?” The response was titled, “Addressing emotional roots of comfort eating key to losing weight gained during the pandemic.” What followed was a series of anecdotal interviews

with people who believed they were eating more for comfort and exercising less for emotional reasons, yet offered no substance as to the potential repercussions of this trend. Should we worry if we’re adding a couple inches to our waistline during COVID-19? Paul Taylor, in a piece recently published in Your Health Matters, a Sunnybrook Hospital publication, titled, “Why you shouldn’t fuss about weight gain during the COVID-19 pandemic,” interviews various doctors and health specialists for their opinions. Dr. Jeremy Gilbert, an endocrinologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, suggests the answer to whether one should fuss or not about recent weight gain varies for each individual. He says, “It largely

PAR-Q & YOU

Has your doctor ever said that you have a hea recommended rt condition and by a doctor? that you should only do physica Do you feel pai l activity n in your chest when you do phy 3. In the pas sical activity? t month, have you had chest pai n when you we 4. Do you los re not doing phy e your balance sical activity? because of diz ziness or do you 5. Do you hav ever lose conscio e a bone or join usness? t problem (fo change in you r example, bac r physical activit k, knee or hip) tha y? t could be ma 6. Is your doc de worse by a tor currently pre scribing drugs dition? (for example, water pills) for your blood pre 7. Do you kno ssu re or heart con w of any other reason why you should not do physical activit y? 2.

depends upon an individual’s underlying medical condition and genetic predisposit ion. If YES to one or m In some casore questions Talk with your doct or by phone or in you person BEFORE you your doctor abou es, it might star t becoming muc t the PAR-Q and whic h more physically h questions you answ active or BEFORE • You may be able ered YES. you have a fitness to do any activity appraisal. Tell lead to an you want — as long answered those which are safe as you star t slowly for you. Talk with and build up grad your doctor about the ually. Or, you may • Find out which kinds of activities community program need to restrict your increase in you wish to participa s are safe and help activities to te in and follow his/h ful for you. er advice. insulin reNO to all questio ns If you answered NO sistance, honestly to all PAR OMING MUCH MO -Q questions, you ➔ •DELif AYyou BEC • star t becoming RE ACTIVE: can be reasonably much more physically are not feeling well sure that you can: active – begin slow w h i c h safest and easiest because of a temp ly and build up grad way to go. a cold or a fever – orar y illness such ually . as wait until you feel This is the • take part in a better; or • if you fitne are or may be preg ss appraisal – this could nudge a that youperson nant – talk to your is D ollentm an exce way tobdetermine can plan the best star t becoming mor doctor before you your way e for basi activ you to live actively. c fitness so e. your bloo It is also highly reco from pre-diabeteshaveto fulld pressure evaluatecontinues, mary “After all, mmended that d. If your reading before you star t beco you what is over 144/94, talk PLEASE NOTE: ming much more with your doctor If your health chan physically active. scale diabetes. Infor Additionges so that triggers would cause that you then answ has been gained can also any of the above questions med Use of the PARer YES to , tell your fitness or Q: The Canadian health professional Ask whether you shou this questionnworsen Society for Exercise al weight can also aire, consult your . Physiology, The ld change us to accept weight doctor prior tobe Health Canada,extra your physical activthe challenge physical shed. and their ity plan. activity. agents assume no liability for persons No change who undertake phys certain conditions such ass permitdoesn’t of losing ical activity, andweight have to be permated. You are enc if in doubt after comp and reouraged to pho leting NOTE: If the PARQ is being tocopy the PAR given to a person high blood pressure and but onlygaining before he or she She nent. The challenge, -Qof if you use the our fitness? participat es in a physical activ entire form. "I have read, und ity program or a fitne erstood and complet appraisal, this secti osteoarthritis.”NAME matter-of-factly, course, ed isthisdeveloping ass new on replied may be used for legal questionnaire. Any ____________ or adm inistr ative purposes. questions I had wer ____________ ____________ In the sameSIGNAarticle,______ Dr. to my full satisfac ___ fitness plan takes intoe answered“Doctor’s _________that tion." orders is a big ____________ TURE ________ ______ ____________ ____________ ____________ Sharon Domb, a staff fami____ ____ one,” and then added with account the risks ________ SIGNATURE OF PARE ____________ posed by NT ____________ _______ or GUARDIAN (for ____________ DATE____________ participants unde ____________ ____________ ly physician at Sunnybrook, r the age of major the ____________ ____________ “When a smile, you get novel coronavirus.” ity) ____________ ____________ ___________ ______ WITNESS ________ Note:the ____________ This physical says, “For most people, ____________ and tired of___ being sick yes—the challenge. ____sick actiAh vity clearan ____________ becomes inva ce is valid for a maximum of r condition cha 12 months from ‘pandemic pounds’ are un- lid Iif you nges so that you asked Sandra Alvarez, date it is tired.” would answer an the and completed and YES to any of © Canadian Socie ty for Exercise Phys the seven que likely to lead to significant iolog stions. y If you’re considering acquaintance andHeaCertified Supported by: lth San Canada Can té long-term health probada in Fitness Instructor, what continued on oth er side... lems.” See HANDLEBARS Page 12 her experience are the pri-

Voice

HOROSCOPE

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you feel a desire to be of service to others. Humanitarian tendencies are a trait that you should be proud to display. Keep up all of the good work. TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, if you have been seeking a romantic partner you may fall in love over the next few days. For those who are in relationships, the bonds of love only grow stronger. GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Several powerful events have the potential to improve the positive energy surrounding you, Gemini. Bask in this warmth and the good news it is likely to bring. CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you may meet some new people who can introduce you to some other new and influential people. It is always beneficial to expand your network. LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Some exciting experiences are coming your way this week, Leo. You may discover a talent you didn’t know you had, or you may involve yourself in a creative endeavor. VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you usually approach situations rationally and scientifically, but sometimes you need to throw caution to the wind. You might be surprised with the results. LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, this week you may be feeling more intuitive than ever before. It may seem like you have psychic abilities. Pick up on the feelings and bits of information coming. SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, now is the right time to

be more idealistic. Embrace that mood. Put your energy toward being sensitive to social and political conditions and get your voice heard. SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 Business and money are going well for you, Sagittarius. You might be thinking in terms of making a big career change or even starting your own business. CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 You may be inclined to be more spiritual or metaphysical in the days to come, Capricorn. Explore all avenues of higher thinking, especially if you find it calming. AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, you tend to be sensitive to the feelings of others, and this is a good approach that will serve you and others in various ways. Maintain this sense of compassion. PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 You tend to see those people closest to you in their best light, Pisces. Encourage them to do the same if a situation arises that requires it. FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS AUGUST 16 Steve Carell, Actor (58) AUGUST 17 Lil Pump, Rapper (20) AUGUST 18 Christian Slater, Actor (51) AUGUST 19 Christina Perri, Singer (34) AUGUST 20 Demi Lovato, Singer (28) AUGUST 21 Jade Chynoweth, Dancer (22) AUGUST 22 Richard Armitage, Actor (49)

SOLUTIONS DOWN 1. Haler 2. Emotive 3. Wapitis 4. Pareses 5. Ago 6. Decodes 7. Endless 8. Parapet 9. Inane 13. GOP 14. Any 17. IDs 18. Not 20. Mede 22. Rely 27. NFL 28. Eau 29. Mac 31. ETA 32. Mad 33. SBE 37. Esteems 38. Reorder 39. Neri 40. Essence 41. Cerebra 42. Ales 43. Seaport 44. Caroler 47. ECT 48. Dow 49. Items 51. Gummy 52. Use 53. EEC 58. Aar

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

SOLUTIONS ACROSS 1. Hew 4. Pad 7. Epi 10. AMA 11. Age 12. Nan 13. Galop 15. Roc 16. Drain 19. Onetime 21. Orlando 23. Pyrites 24. Deepest 25. Vide 26. Else 27. Nemeses 30. Systems 34. FAA 35. Tab 36. Lucerne 41. Cascade 45. Sees 46. Elea 47. Editors 50. Re-argue 54. Coterie 55. Espouse 56. Tweed 57. Nab 59. Olmec 60. MME 61. Car 62. REM 63. SSR 64. ERA 65. Try

Enjoy our Take-out Fish & Chips Fridays! From our family to yours...stay safe

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice, August 19, 2020

Voice

FAITH LIFT

by Pastor Rob Weatherby

CROSSWORD SPONSORED THIS WEEK BY

Practicing the presence of God

A

fter the Bible, a few key books have impacted me over the years. One of them is a short classic on the teachings of Brother Lawrence.

Brother Lawrence

Nicolas Herman was born in 1605 in France. At age 18, Nicolas had a profound spiritual experience. It happened during the winter when he was simply gazing at a barren fruit tree. He thought about how as spring approached, the branches of that seemingly lifeless tree would again begin to bud, then grow leaves and blossoms, and eventually fruit. It was a simple, yet powerful insight. He realized that it was God’s power which lay behind such a transformation. For Nicholas it was a symbol from nature of Christ’s own resurrection from death to life. And more personally, it was a symbol of what God wanted to do in his life. At age 24, Nicolas joined a religious order in Paris and appropriately took the name “Lawrence of the Resurrection.” He would spend his whole life there living in communion with God and serving those around him. He never wrote a book and he died in 1691 at age 86. Just another obscure monk who would soon be forgotten? Not so fast.

Practicing God’s presence

A French priest, Father Joseph de Beaufort, appreciated Brother Lawrence’s insights and decided to summarize his teachings in a short French volume. It was published in 1692 (one year after Lawrence’s death) and has since been translated into English and other languages. In it,

Beaufort included some of the letters of Brother Lawrence as well as conversations with others which had been written down. The basic theme is about developing an awareness of God’s presence at all times in everyday life. The idea is very simple which is probably why it appealed to me in the first place. Here are a few quotes… “There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.” “We ought not to be wea-

Page 15

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ry of doing little things for the love of God, who regards not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is performed.” “Let us think often that our only business in this life is to please God. Perhaps all besides is but folly and vanity.” “The difficulties of life do not have to be unbearable. It is the way we look at them — through faith or unbelief — that makes them seem so. We must be convinced that our Father is full of love for us and that He only permits trials to See FAITH LIFT Page 12

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Word Search: Water Quality

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GEOGRAPHIC HABITAT IMPAIRMENT LAKE METRIC MONITORING

ORGANISMS POLLUTANT SEDIMENT STANDARDS TESTING WILDLIFE

ANSWERS ON PAGE 14-

Page 16

The Voice, August 19, 2020

PUPO

continued from Page 1 toward other staff. Pupo was allegedly offered a deal to keep her job if she agreed to undergo anger management counseling. Pupo has repeatedly declined to comment on the offer, and why she didn’t take it. Asked Friday to respond to Pupo’s decision to drop out of the race, Mayor Junkin said, “It is never a good thing when the choice of candidates available to residents in an election gets reduced. I wish all six of the remaining candidates the best of luck, and I look forward to working with the people’s choice.” There does not appear to be any prohibition against a sitting officeholder publicly supporting candidates in an

election. In a campaign ad that ran in the Voice earlier this month, Ward 1 candidate Steven Soos presented endorsements from three municipal councillors in other Niagara communities, as well as District School Board of Niagara Trustee Nancy Beamer, sans her title. “Generally, the conduct of elected officials is not an area of jurisdiction for the municipal administration to address, regulate or comment upon,” responded Pelham CAO David Cribbs, when asked whether officeholders had fewer freespeech rights than ordinary citizens. “The Town does have a ‘Use of Corporate Property’ policy, which prohibits use of corporate resources [such as Town staff and buildings] for election pur-

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poses….the policy is not meant to stifle an elected official’s free speech.” “I don’t know what Ms Pupo’s actual complaint is,” said Voice Publisher Dave Burket. “We have reported solidly sourced stories, the facts of which are not in dispute. If those facts don’t align with Ms Pupo’s preferred campaign messaging, that’s not the reporter’s department.” The Voice has offered identical advertising and free promotional opportunities to each candidate. Pupo was the only candidate to decline an interview or to submit campaign photos, which the paper is running at no cost to the candidates. Technically speaking, in fact, it’s too late for Pupo to withdraw. The cutoff date to leave the race was July 31. Town Clerk Nancy Bozzato confirmed that Pupo provided no notice to withdraw by then, and that strict rules govern a candidate’s departure after the deadline, with few circumstances allowing it. “A name would only be omitted if the ballots had not been printed and a candidate dies,” Bozzato told the Voice, “or is no longer eligible to hold office—for example, if they no longer own/rent land in Pelham.” Come Election Day on September 15, Pupo’s name will still be on the ballot paper, next to the remaining six candidates.

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COUNCIL

continued from Page 3 vice provider,” Quinlin said. “So just in case something’s not going well with the service provider.” The service will provide Pelham residents the ability to get an on-demand ride to anywhere in Grimsby, Lincoln, Wainfleet and West Lincoln. The majority of funding is covered through revenues from the gas tax.

Pelham road pavement conditions.

Big pavement problems down the road?

Council heard a report by ARA engineer Shila Khanal regarding the pavement quality of Pelham’s roads. Using a formula called “PCI” (pavement condition index), multiple roadways in the town were graded on the quality of their pavement. While only 14 percent of roads tested were classified as “poor” or “fair,” the firm painted an expensive picture of maintaining quality pavement for the next decade. Khanal said that the Town’s current budget of $450,000 a year will only yield poorly conditioned pavement ten years from now. To maintain “good” quality roads, $10.3 million would need to be spent over the next decade on pavement alone. Wink was taken aback. “What gets me is how much it’s going to be to even maintain,” the Ward 2 councillor said. “If we do an additional $2 million a year for road servicing we’re looking at a 14.8 per cent tax increase, which I’m not sure the residents of the community will be too pleased with.” Council voted to receive the report.

CAO lauds council for reopening of MCC

In his brief report, Chief Administrative Officer David Cribbs credited council for deciding to open the main ice pad at the community centre last month. Revenues are climbing, he said. “Since Accipiter opened on July 27, as the result of your direction, I can tell you it’s been used between 12 to 14 hours every single day,” Cribbs said. “The summer program has gone extremely well and it was very much the right

decision to open up.” The Mayor asked Cribbs if he had yet partaken in another recreational pursuit by taking a dip in the Town pool. “I jumped in and it splashed so much water everywhere,” joked Cribbs, who is of stocky stature, “I was asked not to do it again.”

Plaudits for a local paper

The Mayor opened the meeting by congratulating the Voice for its recent Ontario Community Newspaper Association awards. “One of the stories the Voice won, was on a drainage lawsuit between the Town and some Fenwick residents which dragged on for way too long,” Junkin said. “I’m proud that one of this council’s first actions was to settle that issue and end the long nightmare for those residents involved. As elected officials, we always are weary of the press because they make sure what we do is publicized, and sometimes this doesn’t feel good. I know I still have bruises from the kicking over the Library Board meeting. But lest we get lost in our own little bubble of friends and advisors, the media makes sure that we hear about things that get overlooked. Seeing as all of us on council are greyheads getting greyer, we’re all old enough to remember when the Pelham Herald caved in. How blessed we are that in its place, 50 residents put together enough money to start up a new community paper, still owned by the community today.”

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