The Voice
Larry “BILKO” THE Bilkszto PAPER THAT PELHAM READS
CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR
Your Local Sales Representative 905-563-3330 • 905-641-1110
DEBBIE PINE
RE/MAX® Garden City
SALES REPRESENTATIVE 905.892.0222 SELL phone: 905-321-2261
Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
debbiepine@royallepage.ca
Realty Inc., Brokerage
Larry “BILKO” Bilkszto Your Local Sales Representative 905-563-3330 • 905-641-1110
RE/MAX® Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage
www.bilko.ca
bilko@rgcmail.com Vol.21 No.19
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
FREE
Junior firefighter camp sparks fun
bilko@rgcmail.com
Column Six That Summer of Love, brother
BY MARC MacDONALD
Special to the VOICE
For one week Julia Russell and Amie Terreberry shed their given monikers and assumed the persona of Burrito and Fruitbat, respectively; nicknames, after all, are a time-honoured tradition amongst firefighters. Joined by the likes of SamIAm, Helmet, Jack Attack, and others, Burrito and Fruitbat were two of 15 enrolled in the Town of Pelham’s Junior Firefighter camp. Held at Station 2 in Fenwick, the camp provides kids with an interactive opportunity to learn fire safety and gain insight into the career of a firefighter. For Terreberry, admittedly at her mom’s behest to choose a few camps to attend this summer, she says that the firefighter camp was one that really stood out to her. “The firefighter camp sounded really interesting,” she said. “I’m most looking forward to learning CPR.” Also with some guidance from mom, Russell’s experience is one that will hit close to home, her stepdad a firefighter. “My mom told me there would be a bunch of cool stuff and that I’d probably be up in the aerial and I really wanted to come,” said Russell. “I’m having a lot of fun so far.”
www.bilko.ca
BY LARRY COTÉ
Special to the VOICE
T
Julia Russell and Amie Terreberry learn the ropes at Junior Firefighter Camp. To the surprise of few, moms know their stuff. Pelham’s Fire Prevention Officer and Camp Administrator, Will Underwood, sees great value in the camp, and is happy to play a role in organization and assisting in the exercises. “I like the camp because it gives children a good sense of what the everyday life of a firefighter is,” he said. “The kids definitely get a better appreciation of the hard work that goes into firefighting and why the profession is so well
respected. They learn something as simple as CPR and first aid to extricating people from vehicles to operating a charged hose line which simulates extinguishing a fire.” Now in its second year, the camp provides campers the opportunity to run through the different scenarios firefights deal with on a daily basis, with in-depth instruction and safety tips from Pelham’s own. Some of the activities campers take part in are: hose operation, search and rescue, fire extin-
The kids definitely get a better appreciation of the hard work that goes into firefighting guishers, ropes and knots, ground and aerial ladders, first aid, CPR and extrication.
SUPPLIED PHOTO
In addition to living the life of a firefighter for a work, campers also take with them an increased ability and understanding of teamwork and leadership. Camp culminates with a demonstration on a particular topic from each platoon and a following graduation ceremony. Though it will be some time before any of the junior firefighters make a career choice, Terreberry hasn’t ruled out continuing down the path. “Well, I’m a cadet,” she said. “So maybe [I will become a firefighter].”
H E 1967 S U M M E R of Love was a momentous happening in some major cities in the USA and UK. Large gatherings of young people came together to protest, among other things, the politics of that time, the consumer culture, and war in Vietnam. Generally speaking the lament was they were mad as hell (at a number of things) and they weren’t going to take it anymore. More locally, this social phenomenon was more subdued and less demonstrative than in large centers such as San Francisco, New York, and Toronto’s Yorkville. However, the phenomenon did nonetheless bring about some collateral effects among Niagara’s youth and for a very brief period. At that time I was a college instructor and in regular contact with a large number of young people. I was a 29-year-old refugee from the world of commerce on Bay Street, and left that extremely buttoned- down conservative culture to join the more liberal laid-back universe of academia. In retrospect, it was a rather momentous leap in cultural norms, lifestyles and pracSee COLUMN SIX back page
Invest in your future. Invest in Pelham. 4.25%*
*Conditions apply.
When you invest in Niagara Shares, you’re enabling PenFinancial to grow for all the right reasons – to support and guide more members, to open more branches, to employ more of your neighbours and to enhance some of our amazing community programs and initiatives. Niagara Shares are a unique and limited time investment opportunity, but the impact of your investment will last a lifetime. Learn more at trulylocalinvesting.ca. *The expected dividend rate is calculated based on PenFinancial’s 2016 fiscal year. Niagara Shares will earn the same rate as all outstanding Class B Shares, Series 1 of the Credit Union. Niagara Shares are not deposits. Dividends are not guaranteed and may, but need not, be declared on an annual basis by the Board of Directors of the Credit Union in its sole and absolute discretion. The securities are not insured or otherwise guaranteed by the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Ontario or any similar public agency. There is no market through which these securities may be sold. Niagara Shares are only available by obtaining an Offering Statement, for which a receipt has been obtained from the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, that details all of the terms, conditions and risks of this investment. THIS IS NOT AN OFFERING STATEMENT.
Cremation/Burial
We can help you get your ducks in a row
James L. Pedlar Funeral Home (905) 892-5762
Our family serving your family
Page 2
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
IN THE NEWS
PUBLISHER’S CORNER
Moble dental clinic
by Dave Burket
Flying high: A belated thank you to Erin Hill for sending in a terrific old aerial image of downtown Fonthill. We’ll get it in eventually!...Don’t spill the patchouli: For some of us (not me—I was 7) the Summer of Love might seem, if not like yesterday, then not like 50 years ago either. But the calendar and our hairlines don’t lie. In this week’s Column Six, Larry Coté takes a look back at his own summer of 1967, mutton-chops and all. ...Take it back a decade: If the ‘60s weren’t your style, maybe the ‘50s were. Lookout Ridge is holding a ‘50s Dance-a-Thon tomorrow from 2 – 3 PM, details on page 8… Hold the pickled peppers: A new pub is slated to open in the old Bailey O’Brady’s space in Fonthill. Peter Piper’s Pubhouse & Eats is aiming for an early September debut. Owner Peter Moore promises good grub and decent prices. I had a quick peek recently at the reno he’s doing and it looks excellent, including keeping the handsome old British pubstyle bar…Old news: Thanks also to Ann Goodfellow for dropping off some old papers at our office. They are much appreciated...Conserve your energy: The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority comes in for some criticism this week from activist Ed Smith, who sat down for an extended interview with Nate Smelle. It’s a monster of a piece, as we say, so put the kettle on and settle in…BBQ with Sam: MPP Sam Oosterhoff holds a family BBQ this coming Saturday, details on page 11... Speaking of hamburgers: White Castle may have trademarked the spelling “Slyder” in 1985, but north of the border let’s just call them little bundles of yum. At the end of the month look for SLIDERFEST, a competition and fundraiser to be hosted by the Fonthill Lions. Local chefs will compete for your flavour favour. Best of all? No parts of Pelham Street will require closing for this Fest! Email info@fonthilllions.ca for the delicious details.
Attention parents! Exercise + cash for the kids
PAPER ROUTE AVAILABLE! See our ad in the CLASSIFIEDS
Voice on vacation!
says it brings back memories from 30 years ago when Atlas Steel in Welland dumped chemicals into the Welland River that turned the waterway orange. “That was an extremely visible and very concerning event that happened,” he says. “But there we knew what was going on because we knew where it was coming from. With a wastewater treatment plant, you don’t know what you’re dealing with. To say there’s nothing to worry about, I’d like to see the documentation. They should be reporting some numbers instead of saying ‘everything is okay.’ I’ve heard that too many times before,” Brindle says.
Seaway Mall will host Niagara’s Mobile Dental Clinic on Thursday, August 31, 9:30 AM to 3 PM. The clinic provides children and youth with access to free preventative dental services. Appointments are advised.
Indie Music Festival
From 3 – 11 PM this Saturday, the Town of Pelham presents the “Indie Music Festival” in Fonthill’s Peace Park. A number of local performers will appear. Alcohol will be available.
their breath for an analysis. This resulted in three drivers being arrested for exceeding 80 mgs of alcohol. A fourth driver was also issued a threeday licence suspension after they provided a sample of their breath and it registered an “alert.”
Pelham Arena survey
The Town of Pelham says it wants your input on the fate of the current Pelham Arena and surrounding parklands. Earlier this summer, workshops were held to solicit local opinion on how the property should be developed. Notably absent from the choices, according to many who participated, was “leave it as a park.” Now the Town offers a range of housing design choices and asks for public reaction. Since the Town announced its online survey, the Voice has received a number of reader complaints that the website is either unaccessible or unresponsive, a situation that the Town seems to be trying to correct. Try your luck at http:// placespeak.com/PelhamArenaLands
Bike theft arrests
Concern over river discharge
The City of Niagara Falls has been experiencing an increase in thefts of bicycles in recent months, according to police. In response to the problem, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) 2 District - Niagara Falls Street Crime Unit began conducting a number of investigations that have led to arrests and the recovery of 17 bicycles. Detectives have made six arrests and identified three persons of interest. An arrest warrant has been issued for a 10th person. Chris Sloggett (37) of Niagara Falls was arrested on July 11, and sent to video bail on July 12. Chris Sowell (32) of Niagara Falls was arrested on July 11. He was released on a Promise to Appear for his court date of August 2. Yan Charron (41) of Niagara Falls was arrested on July 13, and sent to a bail hearing on July 14. Andrew Lavallee (27) of Niagara Falls was arrested on July 13. He was released on a Promise to Appear with a court date of July 19. Nick Atmekjian (24) of Thorold was arrested on July 6 and was sent to a bailing hearing on July 7. Raquel Bitton (23) of Niagara Falls was arrested on July 20, and was sent to a bail hearing on the same date. An arrest warrant has been issued for John Mills (25) of Niagara Falls / Hamilton. Mills' present location is unknown. The arrest warrant is for the offences of: Theft Under $5,000; Possession of Break in Tools. The NRPS is reminding the public to remain vigilant in their efforts to protect their bikes / property.
In his four decades of studying water contamination, Ian Brindle has learned that when something doesn’t smell right, there’s likely more to the story. That’s why the Brock University Emeritus Professor of Chemistry isn’t buying the story of the Niagara Falls, N.Y. Water Board that a discharge from a wastewater treatment plant, which turned part of the Niagara River black at the end of July, was completely above board. “There’s a lot of stuff that goes through those treatment plants so it doesn’t strike me as being necessarily benign from a chemical standpoint,” says Brindle, who has spent his career studying water contamination in Niagara and beyond. “They need to educate people. They can’t just do this and then seek an apology after the fact. It’s disgraceful.” The black water discharge surrounded the Maid of the Mist dock area on the American side of the Niagara River and was visible to tourists in the Niagara Falls area on a busy summer weekend. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, as well as Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates have called for an investigation into what happened. Brindle
R.I.D.E. arrests
Last Saturday, members of the Niagara Regional Police Service conducted two R.I.D.E. checkpoints throughout the night, one in St. Catharines, the other in Port Colborne. Both cities saw an influx of visitors, who attended the annual Rotary Ribfest in St. Catharines and the 39th Annual Canal Days in Port Colborne. Police say that it was a busy evening as officers stopped and spoke with approximately 800 drivers. Many of the attendees from the events arranged for a safe ride home, however there were still 13 drivers who were stopped and required to provide a sample of
Congratulations
CARRIER
OF THE WEEK! Jacob
Cheung
The
Voice
Sponsored by FONTHILL
Hwy 20, Fonthill
9 0 5-8 9 2-8 69 0
Open 6 to 11 daily
Find the Voice at these locations:
(905) 892-2570
Bakery, Deli, Hot meals
If your message to Pelham isn’t in our pages,
Then it isn’t being seen. Conley, Schaefer & Tremeer families enjoying the beach in Nassau, Bahamas—wow, that water!
The Voice
Send us your picture holding The Voice, whether across town or abroad and we’ll share it with our readers! Email your photo with a brief description to
office@thevoiceofpelham.ca
Getting tired of wintering in Florida? We have ideas!
The paper that Pelham reads.
World Voyages for 2018 & 2019 from 30 to 100 days South America, Australia, or Southeast Asia Ever-popular Caribbean, Tahiti, Cook Islands, or Hawaii Small ships? We have an awesome selection! We take care of all the details. Call us at 905-892-7900.
(905) 892-8690 advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
Remember you are TICO protected when booking with us.
Leaders in Travel Planning since 1997!
905.892.7900
www.niagara.cruiseholidays.com 1400 Pelham St., Fonthill Book Local TICO Reg 4559761
The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM
DEBBIE PINE
SALES REPRESENTATIVE 905.892.0222 SELL phone: 905-321-2261
Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
debbiepine@royallepage.ca
Vol.20 No.48
CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
DSBN wants portion of Town park
Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill 111 Hwy. 20 E., Unit 5, Fonthill 905-892-9054 www.healthycupboard.ca
905-892-9054
Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm • Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm • Sat 9:30-5:00pm
www.healthycupboard.ca
Debbie Pine SALES REPRESENTATIVE pinesold.com
The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM
NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997
Get
Pined -Sol Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store
Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill 111 Hwy. 20 E., Unit 5, Fonthill 905-892-9054 www.healthycupboard.ca
905-892-9054
Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm • Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm • Sat 9:30-5:00pm
www.healthycupboard.ca
Debbie Pine SALES REPRESENTATIVE pinesold.com
Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm ◆ Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm Sat 9:30-5:00pm
The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM
NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997
Visit Us on Facebook Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm ◆ Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm Sat 9:30-5:00pm
New Location Coming Soon!
Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
The Comfort Maple myth
Request made of community still peeved at name change
See DSBN Page 9
Get
Pined -Sol Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store
Vol.20 No.39
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
FREE
Oops: No fire trucks for you
Column Six
Haist Street traffic-calming measure a little too effective
New Location Coming Soon!
Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated
Column Six
Growing up British Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation
Vol.20 No.32
Wednesday October 12, 2016
FREE
Apple Day comes to Fonthill
BY JULIE MANNELL
Special to the VOICE
W
BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3. NATE SMELLE PHOTO
Public meeting tonight on school issues BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick. Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-
Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation. DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be
“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime. Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. “We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page
HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin. My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries. Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town. This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation. On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque. “This tree looks dead,” I said to my father. “It sure is getting there, Julie.” The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14
BY VOICE STAFF
A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through. One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through. “If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire
BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER
Special to the VOICE
A
Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said. While waiting for the contractor to return to fix
the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-
VOICE PHOTO
bourhood in the short-term. Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with
the chicane the morning it first opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5
Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21. Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-
sidered. The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event. Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-
ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more specific issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security. Another way the committee plans
Debbie
Get
Pine
to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016. "We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said. “It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going. We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5
FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box. Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano. For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely. Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint
BY VOICE STAFF
See COLUMN SIX Page 14
Full service. Full-time Realtor. Your Fonthill real estate connection.
While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples. As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations. The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada. “The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-
The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals
ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”
“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie. Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls
Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept. 19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-
walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later. After delivering to Council a petition containing
Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the
podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case. Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel. As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.
www.pennylanesold.com
H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES
BY JOHN SWART
VOICE Correspondent
and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support. Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.
Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Cell 905.933.3049
T
Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. SUPPLIED PHOTO
A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.
Office 905.892.1702
Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn
Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932
www.facebook.com/voiceofpelham
BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the
FREE
“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained. “I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.” Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2
HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn. Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn. It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly. The hues of Autumn are outstanding. A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour. Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River. If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills. If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3
Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s Pelham Street Grille Sobeys Fonthill DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware & TV Fonthill Library Black Pearl Fish & Chips Bob’s Boys Antiques Moku’s Fonthill Fitness Curves McDonald’s Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Target Store Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Pelham Town Hall Shoppers Drug Mart Zee Lube Express Care Lazy Loon Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Sobeys South Pelham Broken Gavel Restaurant Grill on Canboro Petro Canada Mtvl. Hwy. Renewed Thrift & Vintage Ridge Berry Farm Circle-K
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017
Page 3
The Conversation
What is the NPCA, anyway
Ed Smith talks NPCA
The environmental activist discusses conservation and his ongoing legal troubles with the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA), a registered charitable organization, was established on April 30, 1959, under the Conservation Authorities Act, and serves approximately half a million people in the Niagara Peninsula Watershed, encompassing the entire Niagara Region and portions of the City of Hamilton and Haldimand County. The NPCA manages the impact of human activities, urban growth, and rural activities on the watershed. With its unique resources, the Niagara Peninsula is one of the most complex watersheds in the province. It includes lands drained by the Niagara River, Twenty Mile Creek, the Welland River, the Welland Canal, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. NPCA programs focus on
BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
E
D SM ITH WA S BOR N A ND R A ISED IN St Catharines. He retired from the Canadian Forces in 2011 at the rank of Major, and came back home to live after a 25-year absence. Smith serves as a volunteer board member on an international non-governmental organization, International Children’s Awareness, where he focuses on issues in Africa. He is a recipient of the Order of Military Merit and has an honorary PhD from Nipissing University. Smith says that he became involved in environmental causes when the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority announced a plan to, “destroy ancient wetlands and experiment with an attempt to re-build those wetlands elsewhere in order to allow multi-billion dollar developments.” Since his retirement, Smith, 55, has made his home on the family homestead in Port Dalhousie, where I sat down recently to speak him about his ongoing dealings with the NPCA. See CONVERSATION Page 5
NPCA critic Ed Smith.
NATE SMELLE PHOTO
See WHAT Page 13
Pe�c��� ar� Re�d�! Fresh Off The Farm!
Al�o ��!
Swe�� ���n, ��u�s, F���� �om���e�, Pic���d C��u�b���, Gre�� ��a�s, H����, Pre���v��, a�d P����o�s
Che�� �s �u� �� F�ce����
825 Can���� Ro�d, ����ic� • (905) 892-8724 See us at the Pelham Farm Market every Thursday!
Store Hours: Mon - Fri 8 - 6 • Sat 8 - 5 • CLOSED SUNDAY
Page 4
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
OPINION
The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.
The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Dean Allison, MP Beware of online con artists
I
F YOU’VE EVER FILLED out a government application online, you know it can be a daunting task. You wonder if you’re filling it out properly, with accurate information. Being up against a deadline adds to the stress because you don’t want your application for a passport, or a permanent resident card, or a Nexus card to be delayed or outright rejected. Constituents come into my office every week asking for help with these forms. Given that filling out applications online has become the norm these days I want to issue a warning to residents to beware of online scammers who prey on people who are unfamiliar and intimidated by government forms and websites. A constituent came into my office just this week fuming over the fact that his family had been fleeced by internet scam artists. The man’s wife and infant daughter were visiting Canada. They needed an Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA to travel here. The ETA costs $7 each. They filled out what looked like a legitimate Canadian government application. But that website
was really a private business. The couple applying for an ETA offered all of their personal identification, the wife’s passport
All that information is a gold mine for identity thieves
number, her birth certificate and their bank card to pay the fee. They were charged more than $200. But the government application fee for two people is only $14. This couple was livid. They were out $200 and they had just handed an unscrupulous operator all of their personal and banking information. All of that information is a gold mine for identity thieves. It’s easy to see how the average person can be fooled. The dubious websites are usually in a
NEED HELP? MAKE THE CALL Distress Centre For depression, distress, and crisis. 24 hour help line: 905-688-3711   Mental Health and Addictions Access 1-866-550-5205 (Toll Free) Gambler’s Anonymous 905-351-1616
Kids Help Phone Service for youth. 416-586-5437 800-668-6868 (Crisis Line) www.kidshelpphone. ca Assaulted Women’s Helpline Mobile calls to: #SAFE (#7233) 1-866-863-0511 (Toll Free)
Alcoholics Anonymous Find a Niagara meeting. 905-682-2140 Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) www.niagaratips.com Text 274637(CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip
The Voice
1428 Pelham Street, P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Office open: Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 2 PM
(905) 892-8690
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER & EDITOR Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca REPORTERS Samuel Piccolo, Sarah Whittaker ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS John Swart, Larry Coté, Nick Saltarelli, Carolyn Botari, Melissa Wells
prominent place on the internet. When you open them up they look like a government website. They feature a Canadian flag and other official symbols. That constituent was livid when told that he or my staff could have filled out that application for nothing. The only money owed would be the application fee. One woman came into the office recently asking help with her permanent resident card application. She filled out the form online using a website she assumed was the Canadian government website. The site she used was not run by accountable government employees but rather by con artists gouging and exploiting members of the public who aren’t familiar with the system. What they’re doing may not be illegal, but it is unethical. An even more egregious example of crooked business people pulling a fast one and fleecing an unsuspecting public involves the Nexus Card. The government fee for Nexus is $50. But countless numbers of people have been lured to these deceptive sites with See BEWARE Page 8
Letters Summerfest street promise broken Open letter to Mayor Augustyn: I was out of town during Summerfest but I have heard that it was a great weekend. Thanks to all the volunteers who contributed to make it such a success. I am writing to you to express my disappointment with the misleading information that the Town provided to our office regarding road closures for Summerfest 2017. We were assured that our patients would have no difficulty accessing our office on Friday July 21. This was definitely not the case. The information and map that we received from the Town stated quite clearly that Pelham Street would not be closed in front of our office until Saturday morning. This was not true. Barricades were erect-
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity or legal reasons. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher. ADVERTISING: The Voice of Pelham regrets any errors or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication.
See BROKEN next page
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900 Member of Provincial Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West-Glanbrook Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755
Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Councillor Brian Baty 742 Memorial Dr. Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 905-892-5317 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607
Mayor of Pelham David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317
• Trusted Onsite Service for over 10 years • • Virus and Spyware Removal • • Repairs • Upgrades • Troubleshooting • • Brand Name and Custom Systems • • Secure Wireless Networking •
Members of Pelham Town Council Ward 1 Councillor Richard Rybiak rrybiak@pelham.ca 905-892-2105 Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-684-4870 Ward 2 Councillor Catherine King cking@pelham.ca 905-658-8599
Now Two Locations 483 East Main Street WELLAND and 1421 Pelham Street FONTHILL
Councillor Gary Accursi gaccursi@pelham.ca 905-892-5528 Ward 3 Councillor John Durley jdurley@pelham.ca 905-892-5388
(formerly Quality Cleaners)
Paul V. D’Amico PAU L @ N I C K S C L E A N E R S . C O M
Councillor Peter Papp ppapp@pelham.ca 905-328-6008
NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca
ed at the corner of College Street and Pelham Street on Friday morning, and by noon whoever was in charge of road closures was attempting to park two large trucks across the intersection of College and Pelham to block ALL traffic—until my staff stopped them. Not only was the road closed at College Street but there was also a large “Road Closed” sign erected at the intersection of Port Robinson Road and Pelham Street early Friday morning. Why was this necessary? Our patients—many of whom are seniors —had a difficult time reaching Our office. We had assured them when we called them on Thursday that they would not have any
Today's forgotten business stopped advertising yesterday
Jill C. Anthony Law Office
Have an Opinion?
BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY
REAL ESTATE, PURCHASES, SALES & MORTGAGES, BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS & SALES, ESTATE ADMINISTRATION, WILLS & POWER OF ATTORNEY FONTHILL (Main Office)
10 Highway 20 E., P.O. Box 743, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 T: 905-892-2621 • F: 905-892-1022
janthony@jillanthony.com
JA
NIAGARA FALLS (Satellite Office)
Pio Plaza, 8685 Lundy’s Lane, Unit #2, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1H5 T: 289-296-2629 • F: 289-296-0222
www.jillanthony.com
NEW LOCATION
Well don't just sit there. Share it with the Voice! letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca
905-892-8690
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017
Page 5
OPINION Letters
continued
Baty is right on audit call Given the public feeling about Pelham’s finances, I think Brian Baty’s suggestion is right on the money. A third-party independent audit would clear the air for all. I would think Council would be happy to have this put to rest. Joan Chick Fonthill
Concerned? Then tell them It seems to me that a number of our councillors claim there are only a "small number" of residents concerned about Pelham’s finances. It's easy to feel concern— talk to a spouse, a friend or a neighbour about it. But, if it does really concern you, please make the effort to let the Mayor and Council know how you feel. Statistically, for each complaint, there are 26 who don't complain. We NEED to make our voices heard. The Mayor and Council need to understand that the money they are spending is the money we've all worked to hard to earn. The parkland they're willing to sell off to developers belongs to the community, not to the council. I'm sure you have concerns other than those I've expressed, so please, in all
of our best interests, demand that the Mayor and Council agree to a forensic
BROKEN
been every year —to accommodate a party. If we are forced to close the office during Summerfest that means that my staff will be required to take time off that they neither want nor can afford. It also results in lost revenue for our practice. This seems counterproductive to revitalisation of the downtown core. Summerfest is a very successful event and I know many people look forward to it every summer. Surely, there must be a way for Summerfest to benefit both Pelham residents and businesses. Ann Volk, OD Lifetime Vision Centre Fonthill
continued from previous page difficulty driving to our office building because of the information that we had received from the Town. Many of our patients decided to just go home rather than attempt to navigate the road closures. I am in favor of Summerfest if it benefits downtown merchants and businesses. I believe the original reason for starting Summerfest was to rejuvenate the downtown core after the Pelham Street reconstruction. I do not agree that my patients should be inconvenienced —as they have
Please make the effort to let the Mayor and Council know how you feel audit to show real transparency and prove they are worthy of the trust we had put in them. Their contact information is included on the Town website, and every week in the Voice. Marianne Stewart Fenwick
DEMANDING ANSWERS Diagnosis: Overtaxed & Under served
FOLLOW THE MONEY By Jim Pitt Waiting game: Whatever happens, it probably won't be until next year
I
TAKE MY DOG OUT to do her business every night before her goodnight treat. While I’m waiting, I watch the evening light show across the way. It never varies. It’s almost mathematical in its precision. The street light in the distance is bright, then goes dark. After a few seconds a pulsing flash appears, grows stronger and then fully lights up, only to repeat the process. It has been doing this for over two years. I was going to alert the authorities about it, but gave up. I had the same problem awhile back. I went on the Town web site to register the problem at the special page we must use to report such problems—we must do everything on line now; not enough employees I guess— but that didn’t work out, so I contacted the Town, by e-mail, and the light was repaired. All over the province, communities are addressing the increasing cost of electricity by making changes to efficient electrical appliances and lighting. Many communities have finished this task. One of the areas of savings is LED streetlights.
Municipalities and Regions are actively installing these energy savers and the payoffs are tremendous. Most are reporting 50-60% energy savings, and all applied for or are applying for provincial money to help pay for the changeover. The Town has earmarked $400,000 for replacements lights in 2018. There will be a provincial election in June 2018. There may be a new government with different priorities than the present one. There may not be any grants for lighting next year. This Town has a very poor record of timing projects, arenas and the like, when it comes to applying for grant money. My light show might come to an end, but probably not until next year. I bought a shiny red sports car last May. I like to drive around the area because the roads go through nice countryside and there are lots of curves. But I must be careful on a number of roads around this town. Not because of speed traps or traffic, but because of potholes, broken pavement, deteriorating shoulders, sunken utility hole covers and overzealous speed bumps. These
My light show might come to an end, but probably not until next year
are in need of immediate repair, but I’m thinking maybe next year. Getting around town has become a game of advanced planning and mapping out the route. The corner of Church Hill and Pelham Street is especially dangerous. We’ll have to wait for a traffic light— maybe next year— but in the meantime, I’m turning right, then left onto College Street. So are many others. I stay away from Poth Street altogether. I watched the Council meeting on July 24,
See FOLLOW THE MONEY Page 10 Do You Prepare More for Family Vacations Than www.edwardjones.com
You DoPrepare for University? Do You More for Family Vacations Than
Having fun with your family is important. But nothing is more vital than your child’s future. That’s why at Edward Jones, we can help you
You Do for University? Having fun with your family is important. But
put together a plan to pay for a postnothing is more vital than your child’s future. secondary education.
That’s why at Edward Jones, we can help you put together a plan to pay for a postUsing our education calculator, we can estimate secondary education.
CAREER OPPORTUNITY Full Time Employment
Hiring Horticulture Technicians for the Landscape Trade, Garden Maintenance and Construction. Positions available: Foreman, Labourer, Sales & Service Experience Helpful Please send resume to: office@dekorteslandscaping.com or drop off at:
future expenses at more than 3,000 schools and Using our education calculator,strategy we can estimate then recommend a financial based on future expenses at more than 3,000 schools and your unique needs. True, vacations are great. then recommend a financial strategy based on But graduation ceremonies are even better. your unique needs. True, vacations are great. But graduation ceremonies are even better.
For a free, personalized postsecondary For a free,cost personalized postsecondary education report, call or visit your education cost report, call or visit your local Edward Jones advisor today. local Edward Jones advisor today.
In home foot care available by registered nurse experienced in diabetic foot care needs Please call Louise 905-988-3241
nicolle.lalonde@edwardjones.com
DEKORTE’S LANDSCAPING LTD. 799 Balfour Street Fenwick LOS 1C0 905-892-6908
EDS-1879A-C
Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund
Member – Canadian Investor Protection Fund
Professional SERVICES Directory EDS-1879A-C
Treatment: Read newsalertniagara@blogspot.ca
the one where all save one councillor piled on Regional Councillor Baty concerning his call for a forensic audit. Before that feeding frenzy there was a presentation from a resident of Poth Street. He was frustrated with the lack of action he was getting concerning the road being closed. After some back-and-forth and assurances that studies were being done and engineering reports were imminent and fire trucks and snowplows had been notified and the ambulance service would be enlightened, it all came down to: maybe next year, even though it could be done this year. The Town employee reported as much when she stated that the NPCA and MNR had said they were awaiting Council's approval. It was explained that the cost of the new culverts was $133,000, plus installation. Councillor Durley seems to not have www.edwardjones.com
Dr. Ken Sawatzky Dental Surgeon
905-892-5002 1428 Pelham St.
Joe Della Marina DD,LD Denturist 905-892-1414
Family Dentistry
1428 Pelham Street, Fonthill www.drkensawatzky.com
Page 6
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017
2017 Bandshell Se-
It's ABBAMANIA this week
BY JIM CASSON
Special to the VOICE
“ABBAMANIA” is rated as the number one Abba production in the world. The cast of ABBAMANIA is from Toronto. In the beginning, “ABBAMANIA” was six months in rehearsals just for vocal arrangements. Abba’s harmonies are very difficult to reproduce as ABBA recorded their vocals many times on each record to make them sound so big and full. Not only did the cast have to look like Anni-Frid, Bjorn, Benny and Agnetha, they had to sound like them. ABBAMANIA was a huge venture. They are backed by a live band and carry charts for a full symphony
1.50
$
OFF
ANY ENTREE
The ABBAMANIA foursome.
SUPPLIED PHOTO
show. They sold out two shows, 6,000 tickets, with the San Diego Symphony. With authentic costumes, made by the seamstress from MAMA MIA, and incredible vocals, ABBAMANIA will take you back in time to when ABBA was
on stage, live in concert. ABBAMANIA performs 22 songs of ABBA in their two-set show with costume changes, choreography, comedy and a great concert sound. ABBAMANIA is a show for all ages to enjoy and to sing along with songs from, “Waterloo,” “Fernando,” “S.O.S,” “Mama Mia,” “Super Trooper,” “Voulez Vous,” “I Had A Dream,” to “Dancing Queen” and many more. Abbamania performs all the hits. Thursday, August 10, 7-9 PM at the Fonthill Bandshell Concerts - Abbamania - presented by Rotary Club Of Fonthill. For more information, please go to fonthillbandshell.com
BandShell 11am-7pm
($14.99 minimum. One coupon per entree.)
Come dine with us before the bandshell Concerts this summer.
Bandshell Feature Entree every Thursday night from 4pm -9pm. Coupon good only for Thursday August 10th
Specialty
BURGER AND A PINT
ABBAMANIA
12.99
on stage 7pm - 9pm at Peace Park 155 HWY 20 W Fonthill
905 892-4611 LAZYLOON.ON.CA
USE YOUR COUPON AND WIN FREE FISH & CHIPS DINNER FOR 2
Letters
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
continued
Council blames everyone but themselves As promised, News Alert Niagara (NAL) attended the July 24 Pelham Council meeting. NAL attended the council meeting to get what Councilor Rybiak categorized as the Pelham’s “Action Plan” regarding charges that the municipality may have acted improperly in its land deals. Although the “Action Plan” was never mentioned, a version of action did present itself during Pelham Regional Councilor Baty’s report. Just as the councilors, each in turn, began their verbal assault on Baty’s performance at Region, Chair Papp, filling in for Mayor Augustyn, stopped the proceedings at the 50-minute mark to ask if anyone was recording the meeting. The fact that the chair had to ask is evidence that audio recording was not disruptive and did not violate the Town of Pelham's code Number 34 (i). The order to cease and desist audio recording during a public council meeting is sufficient notice that the Pelham Council does indeed have something to hide! Since audio recording is completely unnoticeable and is in no way disruptive to any proceedings, prohibiting it certainly does raise alarm bells. The councilors proceeded with their verbal assault on their own Regional councilor, including placing the blame of civil anxiety on almost everyone but themselves—they
blamed Baty; they blamed the Regional government; they blamed Regional Chair Caslin; they blamed the whistleblowers and the fact that whistleblowers where allowed to present at a Regional Council meeting. They blasted the Voice. Above all they arrogantly dismissed anyone who didn’t understand their machinations, displaying their inexplicable contempt for their constituents! Again we heard the repeated specter of their 335-page report, which appears to be mostly a “Rubik's Cube” of obfuscation to the land deal in question. When asked directly about the quick flipping of property costing the taxpayers of Pelham millions, the councilors vehemently repeat legalese and provincial government regulations. Contrary to Council's belief, residents are entitled to an in-depth plausible explanation regarding the suspicious land dealings between the Pelham regime and the Toronto-based “Allen Group.” The Pelham regime seems to feel that higher levels of government have no authority over their conduct of skyrocketing debt and rapidly escalating tax increases. Perhaps the voter can enlighten them otherwise. Preston Haskell News Alert Niagara
Bring on the NPCA audit, too Regional Councillor Baty, who also sits on the NPCA Board, is quick on the draw to have a forensic audit done on the Town of Pelham, but you have to ask yourself where was Councillor Baty when the TAXPAYERS demanded a forensic audit on the NPCA in late 2016 and early 2017. He was nowhere to be heard. Only after pressure from MPP
Cindy Forster and the taxpayers protesting did this happen. Just for the record, that forensic audit has still not happened yet. If Mr. Baty truly wants to clear the air, let's do one audit at a time starting with the NPCA and let's do it now! Robert Milenkoff Welland
Real bully isn't the NPCA
ES T
17 .20
PETER PI
RS PE
IPERS P P R
ER PIPER T S E
PET E
e COMING SOON
PETER PIPERS PUBHOUSE & EATS
GREAT FUN!
GREAT FOOD!
PS: We make no promises on the pickled peppers 111 Hwy 20 East, Unit 3, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0
The front-page story on July 26 [OPSEU calls out NPCA “bullying”] has the president of OPSEU and other union members holding placards in a gauntlet in front of the meeting place for NPCA. About 15 or so members and staff arrived with an agenda, minutes and reports, to be confronted with allegations of harassment and bullying. One placard read: “X staff and Y managers.” Many staff at NPCA chose not to join the union. The placard should have read: “X union staff and Y non-union staff.” Which group do you believe are acting as bullies? A few
weeks ago, senior staff member Mark Brickell sent out a gutsy personal email to all staff accounting for his value and pride in the workplace. About two-thirds of the staff responded to his words by adding their own positive reflections. That story should have made the front page! Workplace harassment and bullying are serious matters and the government provides for a complaint mechanism to deal with such concerns. No complaints have been filed by NPCA staff… enough said! Brian Baty NPCA board member
Stop the traffic storm on Hurricane before tragedy strikes My family and I live a stone’s throw from Hurricane Road. From my observations, much of the increased traffic on Hurricane is a direct result of traffic congestion on Highway 20. Westbound (and to a lesser degree, eastbound) traffic being forced to merge from two lanes to one lane makes the problem worse, and encourages drivers to look for a shortcut — which is Hurricane Road. My daughter has also been petitioning for a four-way stop at Station and Hurricane, because we both have had issues crossing the street on her way to and from school— both driving and walking — you won't believe some of the speeds we’ve witnessed. I do feel strongly that too many drivers are using Hurricane as a shortcut around
Highway 20, where they can and do speed recklessly. A four-way stop at Station and Hurricane would help. However, I suggest that measures be put in place to encourage drivers to remain on Highway 20—it is, after all, a “highway.” Speed bumps would also help — but if Hurricane Road was also permanently closed off from Highway 20 (near the Lions Club) then this would be a major deterrent for drivers looking for a shortcut. And by the way, it would also eliminate the dangerous intersection where Hurricane Road exits onto Highway 20 and drivers making a left to turn east—a major accident just waiting to happen. Peter Schafrick Fonthill
Death of rural Wainfleet? Wainfleet’s population in 2016 was 6,362 (Stats Canada) with a projected Growth Rate of 0.3% (zero growth). Wainfleet Council recently approved Niagara Region’s new plans for Wainfleet: A projected population growth 2016 to 2031 of 29,800 with 11,130 new homes. This present Council and the one to be elected in 2018 will be expected to approve: A projected increase of 2,580 new homes by 2021, in just 5 years. That relates to a projected population of 10,000 in 5 years. The Lakewood Condominium, recently approved by a 3-to-2 vote, is just the first. Wainfleet residents are the only ones who can stop this happening and you need to act now. This is not just about Lakeshore, it is the whole of Wainfleet. Please e-mail awtts05@ gmail.com to add your name to the Fight to Save Wainfleet. Andrew Watts Wainfleet
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017
Page 7
COME FOR THE LINEUP. STAY FOR THE INNOVATION. UP TO
MONTHS
NOW GET 0% FINANCING FOR UP TO 84 MONTHS ON THIS YEAR’S WIDEST SELECTION OF 2017s ONTARIOCHEVROLETDEALERS.CA
OFFER ENDS AUGUST 31ST THE 2017 SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB LS 4WD
0% FEATURES:
PURCHASE FINANCING FOR UP TO
84
MONTHS
4G LTE Wi-Fi
+ $7,600 TOTAL VALUE
(INCLUDES $1,000 GM CARD APPLICATION BONUS)
AVAILABLE APPLE CARPLAY™ 5 AND ANDROID AUTO™ 6 CAPABILITY AND ONSTAR 4G LTE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT 7 NHTSA OVERALL VEHICLE 5-STAR SAFETY SCORE8 BEST-IN-CLASS V8 FUEL EFFICIENCY 9,10 SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB LS MODEL SHOWN
THE 2017 SILVERADO HD DOUBLE CAB LTZ 4WD
% 0
PURCHASE FINANCING FOR UP TO
84
4G LTE Wi-Fi
MONTHS
+ $8,250 TOTAL VALUE
(INCLUDES $1,000 GM CARD APPLICATION BONUS) “MOST DEPENDABLE LARGE HEAVY DUTY PICKUP IN THE U.S., THREE YEARS IN A ROW” 11 – JD POWER
THE 2017 COLORADO
0% FEATURES:
PURCHASE FINANCING FOR UP TO
60
4G LTE Wi-Fi
MONTHS
+ $2,500 GM CARD APPLICATION BONUS
BEST-IN-CLASS AVAILABLE HORSEPOWER BEST-IN-CLASS AVAILABLE TOWING 3,4 AVAILABLE APPLE CARPLAY™ 5 AND ANDROID AUTO™ 6 CAPABILITY AND ONSTAR 4G LTE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT 7 1,2
COLORADO CREW CAB Z71 MODEL SHOWN
ALL ELIGIBLE MODELS COME WITH
CHEVROLET
COMPLETE CARE
PROUD PARTNER
2 YEARS/48,000 KM COMPLIMENTARY
OIL CHANGES **
5 YEARS/160,000 KM POWERTRAIN WARRANTY ▲
ONSTAR 4G LTE WITH WI-FI® HOTSPOT 7
For the latest information, visit us at ontariochevroletdealers.ca, drop by your local Chevrolet Dealer or call us at 1-800-GM-DRIVE. *0/84 Event legal - Canada (excluding Quebec): Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada on select vehicles from August 1 to August 31, 2017. 0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 84 months on eligible 2017 Chevrolet models: Spark excluding LS trim, Sonic, Cruze Sedan L, Cruze Hatch LT Manual, Malibu Hybrid excluding L trim, Impala LS, Trax Premier AWD, Traverse 1LT, Silverado 1500 LS Double Cab, Silverado 2500HD LT and LTZ Double Cab, Tahoe LS 4WD, Suburban LS 4WD and for 60 months on eligible 2017 Chevrolet: Colorado excluding 2SA trim, Camaro 1LS Coupe excluding ZL1 trim, Corvette. Other trims may have effective rates higher than 0%. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $30,000 financed at 0% nominal rate (0% APR) equals$357.14 monthly for 84 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, for a total obligation of $30,000. Offer is unconditionally interest-free. Freight and air charge ($100, if applicable) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and dealer fees not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. General Motors of Canada Company may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. 0/84 Quebec: Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada on select vehicles from August 1 to August 31, 2017. 0% purchase financing offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 84 months on eligible 2017 Chevrolet models: Spark excluding LS trim, Sonic, Cruze Sedan L, Cruze Hatch LT Manual, Malibu Hybrid excluding L trim, Impala LS, Trax Premier AWD, Traverse 1LT, Silverado 1500 LS Double Cab, Silverado 2500HD LT and LTZ Double Cab, Tahoe LS 4WD, Suburban LS 4WD and for 60 months on eligible 2017 Chevrolet: Colorado excluding 2SA trim, Camaro 1LS Coupe excluding ZL1 trim, Corvette. Other trims may have effective rates higher than 0%. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. No down payment required. Security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $30,000 financed at 0% nominal rate (0% APR) equals $357.14 per month for 84 months. Cost of borrowing is $46 (frais liés au RDPRM inclus), for a total obligation of $30,046. Offer is unconditionally interest-free. Freight and air charge ($100, if applicable) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by region and dealer) are extra. Dealers may sell for less. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. General Motors of Canada Company may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. 1 Requires available 3.6L V6 engine. 2Based on WardsAuto.com 2016 Small Pickup segment and latest competitive information available at time of printing. Excludes other GM models. 3Requires available 3.6L V6 or 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine. 4Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow. 5Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. 6 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and their terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible smartphone and data plan rates apply. 7Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Service plan required. Available 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot requires WPA2 compatible mobile device and data plan. Data plans provided by AT&T. Services vary by model, service plan, conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity is available on select vehicle models and in select markets. Vehicle must be started or in accessory mode to access Wi-Fi. 8U.S. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). 9Based on WardsAuto.com 2016 Large Pickup segment and latest competitive information available at time of printing. Excludes other GM vehicles. 102017 Silverado 1500 2WD equipped with available 5.3L V8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel consumption based on GM testing in accordance with Government of Canada approved test methods. Refer to vehicles.nrcan.gc.ca for details. Your actual fuel consumption may vary. 11The Chevrolet Silverado HD received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among Large Heavy Duty Pickups in the J.D. Power 2015-2017 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Studies. 2017 study based on 35,186 total responses, measuring problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners, surveyed October-December 2016. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com/cars **The 2-Year Scheduled Lube-Oil-Filter Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada, who have purchased or leased a new eligible 2016 or 2017 MY Chevrolet (excluding Spark EV), with an ACDelco® oil and filter change, in accordance with the oil life monitoring system and the Owner’s Manual, for 2 years or 48,000 km, whichever occurs first, with a limit of four (4) Lube-Oil-Filter services in total, performed at participating GM dealers. Fluid top offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc. are not covered. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ▲Whichever comes first. See dealer for details.
Page 8
Letters
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017
Beware the on- The Conversation line scammers
continued
continued from Page 3
Dog owners should respect property, private or public Please help me to understand. We live in a very new subdivision within the town of Pelham. This area is a lovely combination of classic single-family homes and attractive townhomes. As proud owners we have made every attempt to produce a front yard with curb appeal in keeping with the beautiful area, as have so very many of our neighbours. Our efforts have included the boulevard, since it fronts our property. We have tended the tree placed there by the developer, including a small garden around it, as well as fertilizing and watering the grass, and mowing and trimming it regularly. Why then do so many of the dog owner/walkers in the area insist that our tended and obviously manicured area is their dog's personal bathroom. Every time a dog urinates on grass, within three to five days that spot is brown because the grass has died. The bigger the dog, the bigger the urination and thusly the bigger the destroyed spot. And as the number of dogs using the area increases so do the unsightly brown spots. In order to repair the damage incurred by your dog,
we must dig out the dead grass, add top soil, reseed, water carefully, and then wait for weeks for new growth. In speaking to many adjacent neighbours, this appears to be a common entitlement by the local dog owners and there are many! And please spare me the argument that the boulevard is Town property and therefore we have no right to impose any form of rules regarding its usage. While legally that is true, I have been in conversation with the municipal offices and they fully support our efforts at beautification, indicating that any additions we make to the boulevard area that enhances the subdivision as a whole is a positive action. The issue here is not about legalities or rules but rather respect for our efforts and avoiding damaging a property that is so obviously wellmaintained. I regularly watch the deliberate actions of dog owners, as they stop on their walk and allow their dog to urinate on neighbouring boulevards, and often right on a private front yard. I might also add that all owners on my street now have sod installed front and back of their home, where they
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
can allow their dogs to relieve themselves, rather than inflicting damage elsewhere at someone else's home and at someone else's expense. And I will further add that a one minute walk in either direction on our street will bring the dog walker to green space next to a pond/catch basin where dog usage would not result in private property damage. And it is only a five-minute drive to the dog park. And before anyone assumes that we are dog-haters, let me hasten to explain that we have been involved with dogs competitively and as loving, responsible pet owners for decades. But you will not see my dog on your property ever, as causing damage to a neighbour is both disrespectful and unkind. Since we choose to be considerate of you, does it not follow that you could afford us the same courtesy in return? So please help me to understand why those of you who are guilty of this transgression think that it is okay to allow your dog to defile your neighbour's property when there are alternate amicable solutions. A Frustrated Resident Pelham
continued from Page 4 slick ads and even slicker operators. They ask for your passport number, birth certificate, employment and travel history and even your Nexus user name and password. They could use all of that information to steal your identity while picking your pockets. These hustlers have the nerve to charge up to $170 US simply to send in your application and book an appointment. They tell you they can get you an appointment sooner and fast-track your application. But that’s not true. The application goes through the normal channels. It won’t be given preferential treatment. So what should you do? First of all, you need to find an official Canadian government website. The website address would end in “gc.ca.” If you’re still uneasy about filling out the application yourself, you can come to my constituency office in Beamsville or go to your local Member of Parliament’s constituency office. We will help you with the application for free and protect you against shady dealings and scammers eager to take your hard-earned cash.
In 2016 the NPCA and its former CAO, Carmen D’Angelo sued Smith for defamation after Smith made public a report critical of NPCA practices. This spring, Smith countersued the NPCA and its former Chair Bruce Timms. Neither action has yet reached court. In response to comments made recently by Sandy Annunziata, current Chair of the NPCA, Smith wanted to discuss his thoughts on the Conservation Authority and the issues surrounding it. SMELLE: In a recent edition edition of the Voice, NPCA chair Sandy Annunziata confirmed that the “C” in NPCA still stands for conservation, however he said the he was growing tired of people confusing conservation with environmental protection. What are your thoughts on his understanding of conservation versus environmental protection, and how the NPCA employs that understanding under his leadership? SMITH: To me, Sandy’s comments are disappointing but not surprising. Since he took over at the Conservation Authority he has shown a strong bias towards development. Even in his opening remarks to the public where he mentioned that he had to consider industrial workers when in fact the conservation authority does not have
to consider these things. The Conservation Authority is an advocate for what they’re mandated to protect – the environment. They may want to get into a nuanced discussion about for instance what one Regional
It’s just as important to understand the intent of a piece of legislation
councillor has said about the word “environment” being found nowhere in provincial policy. Well, whether that word shows up or not is not important, because it’s not only about what is exactly written in the provincial policy. As someone who has spent a lot of my career understanding grand policies and documents, it’s just as important to understand the intent of a piece of legislation or a document. If you’re not able to grasp what the intent is then you don’t have any business being involved in the leadership of an organization. If you look back at why conservaSee NPCA next page
1950s Theme
Dance -aThon!
Fundraiser for Pelham Cares Thursday, August 10, 2-3pm, Lookout Ridge Auditorium Contact us at 905-892-9218 if you are interested in attending, or if you’d like to make a donation! www.LookoutRidge.ca
1505 Lookout Street, Fonthill, l0s-1e5
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017
Page 9
NPCA continued from previous page tion authorities were founded in the 1940s in the first place, it was the people in Ontario who started noticing that as they clear cut the trees everywhere the water quality started to go down. It didn’t take very long for people to realize that in order to preserve the water that we all needed to survive, we also had to preserve the watershed that feeds that water system. So, we need to make sure that we manage the trees the plants the animals and everything if we are to have a healthy water system. To not understand the intent of why these organizations were founded, and to just say we looked through all the policy and the word “environment” didn’t show up once is shocking to me. Getting into splitting hairs as to whether conservation really means of the environment, or conservation of something else—that is splitting hairs in a way that we should not expect from our leadership. Speaking with Erin Warman of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) at a recent demonstration outside the NPCA meeting at Ball’s Falls, it became clear to me how much the public’s impression of the Conservation Authority had changed. She shared more than a few fond memories of her experiences as a child participating in the NPCA’s environmental education programs. Judging from Annunziata’s comments, it appears that the NPCA is looking to move away from environmental initiatives. I remember going there myself, every school went there and we probably got the same address from the leaders at the conservation authority at the time. That’s what so disappointing to anybody who is well-informed or
NPCA board member Bill Hodgson prior to his resignation. even mildly informed you can see right through this. These guys are trying to change the very core of what it means to be a conservation authority to try and wrap it up in language about hydrology and say at the core were just about managing the hydrology and things like that is disingenuous. Managing hydrology is an important part of protecting the environment but is also very important consideration for developers. Do you think the NPCA’s emphasis on hydrological issues limits their other conservation efforts? I imagine it is an important aspect of environmental conservation and protection and it needs to
be considered, but is not the sole reason conservation authorities exist. Obviously, it’s a water-centric thing – the intent that drove the creation of conservation authorities in the first place was the observation that our water quality was quite literally going down the toilet. We needed to ensure that we have clean water. How do we do that? By ensuring we have a healthy ecosystem and environment to support the water. I don’t know if this version of the NPCA leadership ever received that knowledge, but if they did they’ve been ignoring it in some cases. Do you see a turning point in the recent past where the NPCA shifted its focus away from envi-
Start driving
your auto insurance savings further… …with up to 30%* in savings & discounts • Winter tires? Save up to 5%* • Multiple vehicles? Save up to 15%* • Hybrid or electric vehicle? Save up to 5%* • College or university student? Save up to 10%* • Additional savings* if you have multiple policies with State Farm®
Bob Kilyk, Agent 21 Highway 20 West Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Bus: 905-892-5721 bob.kilyk.cg8e@statefarm.com
PLUS, save up to an additional 25% with our new smartphone app TELEMATICS!1 A convenient app to help you learn more about your driving habits, and potentially save.
VOICE PHOTO
ronmental conservation/protection? I believe the NPCA’s strategic plan for 2014 to 2017 was what marked the turning point. Part of the strategic plan was to eliminate a great portion of the staff that was doing their jobs. Although I wasn’t here I read reports that there was a consultant brought in to develop the strategic plan who made a public proclamation about getting rid of the “sandpaper” at the NPCA – “sandpaper” being the workers who stood up to developers and told them they couldn’t go ahead with certain projects because the land was protected under provincial policy. Those people were identified as “sandpaper”
getting in the way of development. You can’t ignore the fact that if your employer is firing or not hiring back that many people at the end of their contracts, that they are creating a culture of fear within the staff. The implicit message quickly becomes get along with us or get out the door. I was at a couple of the meetings where Regional Councillor Bill Hodgson called for an independent third-party audit of the NPCA, and it didn’t seem to me that he held any malice towards the board or the organization. I remember him saying that he felt the public trust in the NPCA had been shaken, and that he thought more transparency would help restore that trust. It appeared to me that he was working with the best interests of the Conservation Authority in mind. Why do you think the Board rallied against him in the way they did? This thing with Bill Hodgson tips things in a direction that is in my eyes hard to imagine, because what you have is the appearance of a kangaroo court. They have policy within their own organization and government regulations stating that they needed a two thirds majority to censure Bill Hodgson. Their vote was seven to four, yet they went ahead and censured him anyways when they did not achieve a vote of two thirds. In fact, they voted not to censure him because the seven to four vote appears to be a rejection of a censure. So now you have the appearance of the leader of the NPCA publicly humiliating one of the most highly regarded Regional Councillors in the Niagara Region. Right now it appears to me he was doing it unilaterally because the board did not vote for that censure. In my view, it’s the only way it can be See NPCA Page 11
Great food, Great people
New, Longer
Dinner hours & Menu!
WEDNESDAY: Liver & Onions (buy one, get one half-off) THURSDAY: Homemade Pasta FRIDAY: Fish & Chips SATURDAY: Roast night
Open til 8PM, Wed-Sat
You r
hosts
, Carolanne, Catherine & Do
r ee n
“Finer dining at diner prices”
NEW HOURS! Mon & Tues 8 AM - 3 PM / Wed-Sat 8 AM - 8 PM / Sunday 8 AM - 3 PM Plenty of on and off-street parking in our own lot!
Nightly Features + Regular Menu ~ All sandwiches and wraps served with choice of fries, soup or salad ~
Smoked Salmon Wrap
Cream cheese, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, with homemade dressing
Strawberry Almond Salad
Spinach, fresh strawberries, and toasted almonds with dressing
Call me today. *Conditions apply. 1Certain products and services may not be available in all provinces and territories. The discount does not apply to certain endorsements and additional coverages. Please note that the savings will automatically be applied to the premium at renewal. Certain conditions and restrictions may apply.
State Farm branded policies are underwritten by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company.
® State Farm and related trademarks and logos are registered trademarks owned by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, used under Licence by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company.
1510024CN
1507 Pelham Street, Fonthill (289) 897-9191
L.L.B.O. Licensed
Page 10
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The library card—why every kid should have one BY KIRK WEAVER
CEO Pelham Library
In this age of credit cards, rewards card, club membership cards and multiple forms of identification, it is likely that many people carry more cards than dollars in their wallet. But think back to what may have been the first card you ever carried and how it has shaped you today — the library card. I recently came across a social media post that highlighted some of the lessons kids learn by having a library card. The list included things like, how to participate in civil society, how to safely keep important documents, how to be a good borrower, how to accept consequences, how to choose thoughtfully, and how to be responsible. This struck me as a lofty list of life lessons
FOLLOW THE MONEY continued from Page 5 heard that the NPCA and MNR were already onboard,
to attribute to a single card. I am certainly hopeful that having a library card can contribute to all of these things in a positive way. It is not mere possession of the card that facilitates these lessons. A library card can unlock a world of knowledge, available in many formats suitable from baby to teen. A library card in the hands of a child is a powerful tool which will allow them to do research for school projects, develop good reading habits, and explore in great detail topics of personal interest — all skills that will be carried into adult life. We often have youngsters in our buildings whose faces light up with joy upon finding a book on their favourite topic, or playing with the Lego and other toys, or getting their hand stamped by our friendly staff.
because he explained that there were environmental hoops that had to be jumped through and the Town could be liable for any problems so
the Town had to wait until next year. None of the other Councillors seemed to hear their own staffer’s statement either. It was clear that the Town does not have to wait for any apparent reason other than Council’s unwillingness to pay for the job. What else is there to pay for? Well, this year the Town’s priority is East Fonthill. The powers-that-be are spending upwards of $6 million on new infrastructure there. A road is being built from Summersides at Station Street to Wellspring. Station Street is getting a new water main and something called
Perhaps you can think back to your own childhood and recall fond memories spent reading and socializing in your local public library. We want to have a positive impact on all young people in this community. We would love for all children to have and actively use a Pelham Public Library card. We can’t do it alone – we need your support. If you have a child without a library card or know someone in the community who you think should explore the library please encourage them to visit us soon at our locations in Fonthill and Fenwick.
Nancy Ward giving Gabrielle his first library card. SUPPLIED PHOTO
East Fonthill Block 2 is getting secondary road work. CAO Ottaway got his American bricks and still has his sights on the $200,000 art installation I call the rusty tree, plus an amphitheatre. These are on the books as priorities. Why the Town is the developer is a mystery. So far it’s been a net drain with no payoff. Land purchases and road building are usually the jobs of proper private developers. Meanwhile the Town is starting to look rather sloppy. Last November the Mayor was going on about urban sprawl. It seems that only now, after 200-plus years, has our little slice of para-
Barbering... Barbering...
••Hot Towel Shave Hot Towel Shave • Hair Cuts Hair Cuts •• Mustache and •Beard Mustache and Trims
Beard Trims
INDIVIDUAL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE
Hours: Mon - Fri 11-7, Sat 9-1
The needs and requirements of a phantom community waiting to spring up in a field take priority over a real community dise been properly put on the road to becoming a “complete community,” in the Mayor's curious phrasing. When I read this it stuck me as a strange thing to say. He was bragging about all the new sidewalks, bike lanes and the little white empty bus that tours the town. When we first moved here there were two shopping areas connected by sidewalks, with plenty of parking—the original downtown and the Plaza. Now we have five shopping areas with more to come. From west to east we have the Mossimo’s district, the original downtown, the Plaza, Sobey’s and LCBO, and the Food Basics district. To the south we have a new strip mall coming to Quaker and South Pelham, anchored by the new Circle-K gas bar. So now we have strip mall sprawl. Much more progressive, apparently, but you really do need a car and
RENOVATE RIGHT NOW
WITH LOUWES
Save on energy costs ... It’s a great time to renovate! Whether it’s new windows and doors or siding, soffit, fascia and eavestrough; it’s a great time to buy. North Star energyefficient windows will save you money in the long term by keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Call or visit our showroom today for a FREE ESTIMATE on your home! FINANCING AVALABLE (OAC)
905.562.5831
a lot of patience to gain access to them. And don’t forget to make a route map— it’s dangerous out there. I suppose you could take the little white empty bus. There would be plenty of room for groceries and the like. Or you could take your bicycle or walk, but that gets tough around November. If you, like me, are starting to see a pattern regarding the way this town is functioning, you too might be thinking that sloppiness is on the rise. Many of the usual jobs that need doing aren’t getting done. The needs and requirements of a phantom community waiting to spring up in a field take priority over a real community that is paying for much needed services now. When will all of this end, you might ask. Maybe next year, starting right around October 22.
It’s Time for a SPRING Tune-up! MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY
ratures Tempe ing!! are ris
Financing & Rebates AVAILABLE!
High efficiency Gas Furnace and Air Conditioning packages at GREAT PRICING!
BOB REID
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED
Heating & Air Conditioning RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL
905-892-7787
DUNNVILLE VETERINARY CLINIC Est. 1952 Closer than you think! Same-day appointments
- Same-day test results, most while you wait - Large, well-established practice
ASK ABOUT OUR
3435 King Street Vineland, Ontario WINDOWS & SIDING SINce 1966 • WWW.lOuWeS.ca
WELLNESS PACKAGE 110 Ramsey Dr., Dunnville, ON N1A 1K8 Phone: (905) 774-7642 1-800-263-6496 vets@dunnvillevetclinic.com Mon - Fri: 8 AM to 6 PM • Sat: 8 AM to 2 PM • Closed Sunday
www.dunnvillevetclinic.com
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
NPCA continued from Page 9 interpreted and he cannot refer to votes that went on in camera because they are not allowed. The bottom line is that he is seemingly unaware of his own procedure, he seems to be unaware of what he was doing and he went too far. The NPCA owes every citizen in the Niagara Region an explanation as to how this procedure was carried out. If we have questions about the processes and contraventions, do we not have a right an explanation? What’s most disturbing to me was that the vote was seven to four. So, there were four board members who we may be able to say are a ray of hope at the NPCA. The four board members who voted not to censure Bill Hodgson are aware of the process that took place and they can shed some light on this without violating the in-camera discussion. They are aware that the vote was seven to four and they didn’t achieve two thirds. If those four were truly champions for some kind of gradual change at the NPCA, this was their opportunity to speak up, to bring forward transparency. Therefore, they should be speaking up very loudly. They voted on Hodgson’s side on this issue. Those four need to champion this and bring transparency to this, reassure us that they are comfortable with the procedures that were employed in this censure. Instead, they’ve gone silent and we are left to speculate. Who are the four? Three of the four are elected officials, and one was Dominic Di Fruscio. It was April Jeffs, Pat Darte and Frank Campion. So, the mayors of Welland, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Wainfleet who all voted against the censure of Bill Hodgson and have since gone silent. They need to be held
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017 accountable or they need to speak up. The see that citizens are deeply concerned about the process that took place and yet they don’t speak up. This is a serious issue that concerned citizens have a right have to have explained to them. We should not be expected to simply trust. We’re talking about a man’s professional reputation and we’re talking about our democratic processes. Annunziata said in July that the cost of the lawyer’s investigation and report on Hodgson’s alleged wrongdoings amounted to $5,220. The report has yet to be made public, so we don’t really know the reasons for the censuring. Do you have any idea what they are claiming he did? There are no reasons given at all. Let’s give Sandy Annunziata the benefit of the doubt and say there were things that Bill Hodgson did wrong. Well, if that’s the case the public has a right to know. He can say it’s a personal matter, but I disagree, it is not personal. The public should know if our elected officials have crossed ethical lines. Hodgson is an elected official, so if he was doing things that were disturbing democratic processes we have the right to know. It’s normal in a democracy for the public to be informed. They did their investigation and I understand that they wouldn’t release the information during that time, so they wouldn’t unnecessarily besmirch the individual, but the investigation is done and they are concluding that there was serious wrongdoing here. Not making the report public casts a shadow on Sandy Annunziata. You know what else I believe casts a shadow the whole process is the $5,220 spent on legal fees looking into Hodgson. That’s not an astronomical amount it seems to me – because now I’m aware of what lawyers charge for their time
Page 11
I regard this lawsuit as little more than an attempt to suppress my rights as a Canadian to free speech and to criticize my government as I see fit
– it suggests to me this was not an in-depth investigation. Maybe it didn’t need to be, but we still have the right to know. Leaving it open allows for all sorts of speculation in the public as to what Hodgson allegedly did. So, the lawyer writes a report in a few days – because $5,000 is not a lot of a lawyer’s time – with a lot of subjective words in it like “could” and “potentially” and they seize on it and say that’s what happened. To say Hodgson “could” have done something wrong also implies that he “could not” have done anything wrong. That’s why we have a right to see this report. We don’t just have to trust Annunziata’s view on the report. Here’s what we know the people who saw that report voted seven-to-four and by their own procedural rules of censure that was not enough to censure Hodgson. Hodgson allegedly resigned over allegations of bullying by his fellow members on the NPCA board. Do you feel that they’re trying to bully you into submission to get you to shut up by slapping you with this lawsuit? I regard this lawsuit as little more than an attempt to suppress my rights as a Canadian to free speech and to criticize my government as I see fit. My government
sip, eat, chat, repeat!
Market Menu Thursday’s
include senior public officials. The CAO of the NPCA is a senior government official and therefore it is within my realm of rights to hold him up to that level of scrutiny. The NPCA is suing me for defamation because I wrote the report, A Call for Accountability at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, and there are parts of it that they disagree with. They feel that even though they are government agency they are within their boundaries to sue me. So, I’m being sued by the NPCA as an organization and I’m being sued by Carmen D’Angelo who is the former CAO of the NPCA and is now the CAO of the Niagara Region. If they feel that citizens in Canada can be sued for questioning their governance and for demanding accountability integrity and transparency from the government then let them sue me and we’ll find out what the courts think. As someone who served in the military on behalf of this country, how does it feel to be sued by a government agency for asking questions and raising concerns about our environmental and democratic rights as Canadians? It’s totally offensive. I may have been naïve for 25 years while I served because in that time I never would have thought that any cit-
izen in Canada could be sued by the government for speaking out about any government issue, and this is a government issue. These are elected officials who are mismanaging our Conservation Authority and they are finding ways to circumvent or subvert provincial policy. I served with people in the military who died in the military and I know that they didn’t die thinking that was the reason they were dying. They died for what I would interpret as the right reasons – believing that we came from a great democracy. You go in with all these preconceived notions of defending your great nation. You go in with these notions of what you think your country is and you say yes, I’m willing to be a part of that military system. Then you come back and see something like this happening and you say to yourself what’s going on? When they first sued me it terrified my wife, because she was worried we could lose our house. We are talking about millions of dollars that I’m being sued for. I said to her you don’t back down from something like this. People lost their lives giving us the freedoms we have. Do you go to their graves and say thank you for fighting that fight, but now when there is a fight for democracy right here in Niagara you’ve got to walk away from it because you could lose your house? You just don’t do that. That would be the greatest dishonour you could do to the hundreds of thousands of people who have died serving Canada over generations to make this country what it is. You mentioned to me before that you first started to pay close attention to the management at the NPCA because of their push to use the Provincially Significant Wetland in Niagara Falls, known See NPCA Page 14
Join MPP SaM ooSterhoff at hiS firSt annual faMily BBQ Join us for complimentary refreshments, food and entertainment at
Come Visit us Every Thursday between 5pm-9pm for our Small Plate Menu featuring Food & Drink specials.
26
10 oz PRIME RIB $ SUNDAY DINNER
includes spring vegetables, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding.
We also do Private Events and Catering
Cherry avenue farms 4303 Cherry avenue, Vineland
Saturday, august 12, 2017 12:00 to 2:00 pm everyone Welcome! For more information contact our office 905-563-1755 or Toll Free: 1-800-665-3697 Email: sam.oosterhoff@pc.ola.org Donations for local food banks will be collected
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM
SaM ooSterhoff, MPP 1469 Pelham Street S. Fonthill, ON
905 892 6474 www.zestfonthill.com
Niagara West-Glanbrook
Page 12
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
SERVICE DIRECTORY Electrical Electrical
ACB
Heating & & Cooling Cooling Heating
Automotive
Power Equipment
Electrical
Fenwick Alex Bover-Master Electrician
-ECRA #7003130 Service Upgrades • Energy Efficiency Upgrades Troubleshooting • New Wiring & Re-Wiring Commercial • Industrial • Residential
tel: 905-892-4988 Email:abover@cogeco.ca cell: 905-714-2145 for urgent calls
We Service All Makes And Models
Landscaping Landscaping
Renovations Renovations
Motorcycles, ATVs, Power Equipment, Snowblowers, Sales, Service, Parts & Accessories, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM ● www.clarescycle.com
799 Hwy 20, Fenwick, ON
905-892-2664
Landscaping
Property Maintenance
Fairhaven Gardens
LANDSCAPES Inspired By Your LIFESTYLE
FG
Lawn Care Landscape Design Spring/Fall Cleanup
Property Maintenance Grass Cutting Grounds Maintenance Spring & Fall Clean Up
905.892.6908 www.dekorteslandscaping.com 799 Balfour St, Fenwick
Bill De Bruin
Plumbing Plumbing
Landscaping Landscaping
905-734-4870 also Crushed Stone
Home Heating & Air Heating & Air Cond.
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS Traditional Home Heating and Air email: info@planetpower.ca Fireplaces, Boilers, Hot Water Tanks 905-892-1384
550 Webber Road, Welland, ON
Tel. 905.892.1384
Located in Fenwick Hardware 782 Canboro Road • Fenwick
Plumbing Plumbers
(905) 658-8925
905.892.8608
TOP SOIL DiMartile Farms
gilmorepropertymaintenance.com
Landscaping
www.landscapesbybill.com
Screened Organic
Over 75 years supplying soil to the Niagara area
gilmorepropertymaintenance@gmail.com
Fairhavengardens@hotmail.com
Top Top Soil Soil
Delivery or Pick-Up
Interlocking Stone Grading Tree Services
Natural rock • 874 Hwy # 20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 874 Hwy #20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 Interlocking 874 Hwy # 20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 Landscape Design Landscape Construction Driveways, Patio & Walkways Landscape Design Landscape Construction Driveways, Patio & Walkways Brick Natural Stone Outdoor Wood Projects Natural StoneRetaining Retaining Walls Walls Outdoor Wood Projects • Water Features Outdoor Lighting Water Features Outdoor Lighting Design & Steven& & Ryan Ryan Van Lochem Steven Van Lochem Planting Owners/Operators l
residential • commercial • farm Licenced plumber & gas fitter with 25 years experience
905-386-6483 • 905-651-8558 www.joesplumbingniagara.ca
KEEP
ALL YOUR fingers
Call a Voice Service Directory professional to get the job done right the first time.
Landscaping
by Bill Nieuwenhuyzen Office 905.892.4510 Cell 905.641.8203
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l l
Owners/Operators Phone: 905.892.2188 • www.naturesownidea.com
Concrete Supplies Concrete Supplies
Phone: 905.892.2188 • www.naturesownidea.com
Home Electronics
MOVING? Our professional Installer will carefully remove your precious TV & sound gear and reinstall at your new home.
Niagara’s Complete Concrete Contractor (905) 262-2000
or Toll free
1-800-881-1628
cottoninc.ca
130 Thorold Road, Welland • 905-788-3221 thomastv.com 50 Years of Sales & Service
Plumbing Plumbing
ROBERT WILLIAMS PLUMBING & HEATING LIMITED
330 MOORE DRIVE, RR 1, RIDGEVILLE 905-892-2655 1-800-676-4029
House Painting
2 Just
PAINT
• House painting • Interior • Exterior FREE ESTIMATES! Call Martin: (289) 969-7482 2justpaint@gmail.com
We offer Drain Snaking, Hydro Scrubbing and Video Inspections
Advertising
Top Soil
The Voice
Matt’s Screened
Our readers could be your customers. Tell them why they should choose you!
Call (905) 892-8690
advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca
TOP SOIL
Triple Mix Black Compost
Lawn & Garden Blend Firewood
Soil is screened with manure and compost blended in for great nutrition for your needs.
Delivery or Pick up
905-401-3370
Waiter, do you take us for fools? Of course we wouldn't try moving thousand of dollars worth of home electronics ourselves! Look above your head!
Places of Worship and Events Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick
First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., Fenwick
Glad Tidings Church of God 1 Pancake Lane, Fonthill
Pelham Evangelical Friends Church 940 Haist St., Fonthill
Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill
Fonthill Baptist Church 1414 Pelham St., Fonthill
Holy Trinity Anglican Church 1557 Pelham Street, Fonthill
Ridgeville Bible Chapel 418 Canboro Rd., Ridgeville
Fenwick Church of Christ 765 Welland Rd., Fenwick
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill
Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill
St. Alexander’s Roman Catholic Church 50 Pelham Town Sq., Fonthill
Fenwick United Church 1050 Church St., Fenwick
Fonthill United Church 42 Church Hill, Fonthill
Pelham Community Church 461 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church 834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
hour. Visit www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details.
quarry stone supply, place- sonable, S ment. 905-384-1972. P18-23 30, 8AM-3
FONTHILL BANDSHELL PRESENTS DE TEMPS ANTAN Yard & The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017 Page 13 Burke’s Masonry SALE, L Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have Bricklaying, tuckpointing, been exploring and performing time-honoured melodies from the stomp- Place your ad by email or phone of Christm office@thevoiceofpelham.ca decoration step repair, granite ing grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, Hours: Mon-Thurs, 8 AM - 2 PM (905) 892-8690 coatings, brick slices items, SAT guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos 1PM 625 P18-28 905-682-7061. blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joie de vivreCLEANING found only in FLOORING HOUSE NORTH P Community traditional Quebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m. Energetic Portuguese lady
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
COMMUNITY EVENTS & CLASSIFIEDS Events Listings
looking to clean houses in Fonthill, Fenwick, Welland, PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Ridgeville, Effingham, North Putting on an event? Experienced to Make six cards with fall themes, learning a varietyPelham. of techniques. Materials accommodate every customer’s EXTEND YOUR REACH - ADVERTISE PROVINCIALLY OR ACROSS THE COUNTRY! Tell the town! needs. References available. are provided.ed.org At time of Community registration, about tools needed. For more information contact your local community newspaper or visit www.networkclassifi Eventplease Classifiedenquire Call Liliana at 416-879-4932. ads$10. are available blocks Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. Pleasein register ahead. Visit www.pelhamMORTGAGES FINANCIAL SERVICES of 30 words, including library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. PERSONAL headline for $8.85 + HST. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus Ad booking and payment be adored, glorified, loved & deadline FISH is Thursday FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FRYNoon preserved throughout the world prior to week of publication. nowcommunity. and forever. Sacred Heart Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the Haddock, of Jesus pray for us. St. Jude, Payment may be made over french fries and much more. RunsbySept. 9 from 4-7helpp.m. of the hopeless, pray for us. the phone credit card, Say this prayer nine times a day or in person at our office by for nine days. By the eighth day cash or check. TAP INTO HOME EQUITY! PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE your prayer will be answered. Publication must be promised. With home values skyrocketing, take Thanks for supporting LOWER YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENTS Buy,other sellhigh or trade at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide CM advantage and pay down interest used equipment your Voice! AND debt. cheaper options for players in this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT NOW!!! HOME EQUITY LOANS office@thevoiceofpelham.ca
$$ CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT $$
1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGES Debt Consolidation Refinancing, Renovations Tax Arrears, No CMHC Fees $50K YOU PAY: $208.33 / MONTH (OAC) No Income, Bad Credit Power of Sale Stopped!!!
BETTER OPTION MORTGAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TODAY TOLL-FREE: 1-800-282-1169 www.mortgageontario.com (Licence # 10969)
EMPLOYMENT OPPS. MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!
FOR SALE SAWMILLS from only $4,397 - MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-5666899 Ext:400OT.
WANTED FIREARMS WANTED FOR AUGUST 26TH, 2017 LIVE & ONLINE AUCTION: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Militaria. Auction or Purchase: Collections, Estates, Individual items. Contact Paul, Switzer’s Auction: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, info@switzersauction.com or www.switzersauction.com.
DRIVERS WANTED LOCAL AZ DRIVER NEEDED - Must have experience in flatbed and load securement. Excellent Pay and Benefits. Home Every Night. Please contact Jeff at 1-800-565-3634 Ext. 245 or Email: jeffjones@acrosscountrytransport.ca.
9-12 in the morning.
FOR ANY PURPOSE!! Bank turn downs, Tax or Mortgage arrears, Self Employed, Bad Credit, Bankruptcy. PELHAM MUDFEST Creative Mortgage Specialists! No proofMen of income 905-892-8690 and women will be back in the mud as the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd’s held Up to 85%at Bissil’s Hideaway. Borrow: $50,000 $100,000
OLD PAPERS
Do you have old issues of the Voice published from 1997 to 2007? How about the Pelham Herald (any We'dyear love to second runyear). on the is add them to our archive. Contact: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca
Josh DeHaan Flooring “For all your flooring needs”
We offer in-stock specials: • pre-finished hardwood
flooring solid, engineered from $2/ft2 • laminate flooring from $.89/ft2 • carpet and vinyl flooring from $4.95/yd2 • fibre flooring from $1/ft2 • ceramic tile from $.89/ft2 ...and other specials! Call us to see the products that are available & visit our showroom.
Phone: 905-892-7898 Fax: 905-892-4811
No Sunday Calls, Please TF
Pay Monthly: $237.11 NIAGARA REGIONAL $474.21
HELP WANTED YOUR AD HERE EXHIBITION thousands of readers Rodeo, games and liveReach entertainment headline this years event. It weekly with a Voice classified! THEexciting VOICE: PAPER ROUTE LARGER AMOUNTS AND to 30Welland words for only $10! runs from Sept. 11-14 atUpthe Fairgrounds. COMMERCIAL FUNDS AVAILABLE 1 Paper Route Available in Fonthill:
!!Decrease monthly payments up to 75%!! BIG MOVE Based on 3% APR. OAC CANCER
CUSTOM MILL RIDE Route 6 – Brock Street, Donahugh Drive, PetroPortable sawmill service. I will ride nella The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive takingParkway, place onShaldane Sept. Lane, portion of South 1-888-307-7799 come to your home or farm and Pelham Street - 96 papers your Firewood 7. Proceeds for the Big custom Movemill stay inlogs. Niagara and support the Walker FamONTARIO-WIDE FINANCIAL 1801347inc & lumber also available. Call Please call The Voice at 905-892-8690 FSCO Licence #12456 ily Cancer Centre. Rob Patterson, 905-401-4948 www.ontario-widefinancial.com !! LET US HELP !!
riverwood@primus.ca.
WALKING CLUB Interested in walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays at the PelhamHelp ArenaWanted ADVERTISING from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell forWe9-10:30 am.for There are looking experienced person(s) willing to partner with our professional company cutting lawns, property is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ maintenance and snow removal. The ideal candidate needs to be available year round as pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329. we are a full service business. Salary to be based on ROAST BEEF DINNER experience and work performance. If you are currently loving your job in landscaping, or have Morgan’s CARES Point United Church HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM experience in this field, drop us your resume. conditioned/wheelchair Purchase fresh fruit and(air vegetables at the Market or bring a non-perishable accessible), 11430 Lakeshore, Let’s talk! Wainfleet, Saturday, August 19, food item to fill the hampers at the Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4. fairhavengardens@hotmail.com 2017. Settings: 5:00 & 6:00
qr
REACH MILLIONS OF CUSTOMERS IN ONTARIO WITH ONE EASY CALL!
p.m. Adults $15., child under 10, $5.00. By reservation only Tickets: 905-899-3626
Your Classified Ad or Display Ad would appear in weekly newspapers each week across Ontario in urban, suburban and rural areas.
AVON AVAILABLE
FG
Fairhaven Gardens
COMMUNITY Events GRASS CUTTING
LOOKING FOR AN AVON Grass Cutting Service Event Submissions Standards REPRESENTATIVE? 8 years experience, references For more information Call Today I`m inan Fonthill. selling If your organization is hosting event I`ve thatbeen would be of interest community, availableto onthe request, service 647-350-2558, 14 years. Would be happy to includes grass cutting, edge Email: kmagill@rogers.com you may submit an eventsfor profile by sending your community events information to fulfill your AVON needs. Nicole trimming, and driveway/sidewalk 289-897-8618, editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca Some restrictions apply. Event submissions that meet cleared of cuttings. nico.2008@cogeco.ca 905-892-8410. the acceptability standards of The Voice of Pelham will then beJohn, posted until the date
HOUSE CLEANING Professional Services Residential, organic housecleaning – 15 years experience. Complete job done, weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning. Call Heather 905-321-3817.
of your event. The Community Events Calendar is updated weekly. Please provide as much notice and information as possible including the date, time and description of your event. The Voice of Pelham reserves the right to edit for space.
What is the NPCA, anyway continued from Page 3
initiatives that help keep people and their property safe from flooding and erosion while retaining our drinking water safe to drink. The NPCA’s ongoing commitment to land stewardship is reflected in the management of over 2,870 hectares of some of the most sensitive and unique natural areas in Niagara. These lands are held in public trust, allowing the people of Niagara to enjoy this distinctive natural heritage at 39 Conservation Areas, each offering diverse recreational and educational op-eds Ads OCNA Network Classifi portunities and place to experience na(ADa CENTRAL) ture’s beauty. The legislative mandate of the ConserWeek vation Authority, asof set out in Section 20 August 7 Authorities Act, is of The Conservation to establish and undertake programs designed to further the conservation, restoPosted Demonstrators outside an NPCA meeting earlier this year. VOICE PHOTO ration, development and management of August 2 natural resources. The NPCA fulfills this mandate by implementing programs that: and erosion; provide for the acquisition of its lands for recreation, heritage preservaImprove theCentral quality of lands and waters; conservation and hazard lands; enhance tion and conservation education. Adapted from the NPCA website the quality of life in its watershed by using contribute to public safety from flooding Region Ads included
This ad is to be printed by all participating Ontario papers
The Voice is hiring!
News and Features Writer This full-time position calls for a well-rounded reporter with the ability to cover a wide range of community issues, from Town Council to in-depth interviews and longer investigative pieces. Kindly send resume and writing samples to publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca for further information. Advertising Sales Person Set your own hours—part-time or full-time, the more you work the more you earn in this commission-based role. Please send resume to publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca for more information.
STA
“ TU
Y VIN
CA
PLAC
GA
SA
AD W
wh
CA
905.8
Page 14
NPCA continued from Page 11 as Thundering Waters, as a pilot project for biodiversity offsetting. During the NPCA’s public meetings over the past year I remember hearing them state repeatedly that their support of biodiversity offsetting had nothing to do with Thundering Waters, however I understand now that some of the documents you received through your FOI request prove otherwise. How so? It makes it crystal clear, actually, because the date on this document is Dec. 3, 2016, and the meeting in January was about seven weeks after that. Biodiversity offsetting is detailed in this document created by Carmen D’Angelo and the focus is to be Thundering Waters in Niagara Falls. It shows they are pushing biodiversity offsetting for a very specific reason, and yet to the public they were saying the only reason they were talking about biodiversity offsetting was in response to the Province’s call for inputs from the various regions. They said they were not pushing any particular projects and it was not related to Thundering Waters. Now we know that this was definitely not the case, he was standing in front of the public and deliberately telling us things they knew were false. Where is the accountability for something like that? This was the CAO of the NPCA now the CAO of the region and he needs to explain. We have been told a very specific message from Bruce Timms and Carmen D’Angelo. They were trying to reassure us – the public – that with biodiversity offsetting they hadn’t any projects in mind, no idea where they were going to implement this and all they were trying to do was get ahead of something they saw coming
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017 down the pipe from the province. The Province had reached out and was seeking input on the concept of biodiversity offsetting. That was a very clear message from Timms and D’Angelo at their public presentations, and yet now through the FOI documents we find out that that was not true. They in fact had created a proposal for the lobbyist to work on getting biodiversity offsetting so it could be implemented at Thundering Waters. So, what we know is that our senior elected official at the NPCA and our senior government employee at the NPCA – the CAO and the chairman of the board – went on a circuit around the Region. They went to Regional Council they went to Niagara Falls Council and held public meetings, and in all cases they were being misleading. Considering Thundering Waters is designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland, what are some of the impacts and implications of allowing a biodiversity offsetting pilot project in such an ecologically sensitive ecosystem that is supposed to be protected? I would remove the words “pilot project” and replace them with the word “experiment.” That’s really what it is. It is an experiment without any reasonable outcome that is foreseeable. Thundering Waters is one of the last great Carolinian slough forests left and they want to experiment with it for the sake of development. Thundering Waters provides us with so many essential ecological services. Let’s divorce ourselves from saying we love trees, love frogs or whatever and let’s ask what does that forest do for us right here in Niagara Falls and the Niagara Region. I’m not talking about what it does for us globally. In Niagara, it cleans
our water, it controls flooding and it cleans our air. If you cut down or kill off something of that size the impact will be measurable. We’re not talking about half-acre here we are talking about 484 acres. That’s a pretty substantial chunk of green space in an area where there isn’t that much left. There are developments in Niagara Falls where they can’t keep water out of people’s basements because all of nature’s water control mechanisms have been removed. When the rain comes it has to go somewhere, so if it ends up in someone’s basement.... Apparently the developer has a plan to pipe water in the Thundering Waters from the Welland River to make sure it doesn’t dry up because of the proposed development. What you think of this idea? What they don’t seem to realize is that it’s a vernal temporal pool, so it doesn’t have ground source water feeding it. It gets all its water from the environment – from snow and rainfall only. There are no rivers or anything flowing into it, so it has a different quality of water than what is in the Welland River. Since it is falling directly from the sky, it’s relatively clean. Also, these pools in Thundering Waters – though they may not dry out this year because we are having such a rainy summer – in a typical year if you go in there in August or September are dry. That is part of the lifecycle of this place. So, there are species that can live in that water when it is there for eight or nine months of the year and the only reason they can survive in that water is because it dries up. Because they dry out, no fish can live in these pools so creatures who can’t live in the presence of fish can live in these waters. When the pools
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
These are not the types of jobs that will keep your kids from moving away from Niagara to find work in British Columbia, Alberta, or somewhere else
dry up these creatures have their coping mechanisms such as burrowing into the mud where they wait for the rains to return. That’s the lifecycle of these pools if they start piping in water from the Welland River so they don’t dry up, they are going to disturb the whole ecology. That’s not the way this place was designed by nature to work. Every time there is a push for a potentially ecologically destructive development, the proponents of such projects always try and sell us on how many jobs they’re going to create and the economic benefits it will bring to the area. Is this development going to create an economic boom for Niagara Falls and the Niagara region? They’re talking about creating homes for 10,000 people, including whole subdivisions, so sure that means there will be gas stations, Tim Hortons, Burger King, whatever it is that fills in the market demand of that many people. That will create jobs but it seems to me that they will almost all be jobs at the lower end of the scale. These are minimum-wage jobs, they’re not careers. They are not the types of jobs that will keep your kids from moving away from Niagara to find work in British Colombia, Alberta or somewhere
FREE Gift $
10
else. There will be some high paying jobs in the short-term with construction. Of course, they’re going to need engineers, bulldozer drivers and things like that, but in three to five years these high paying jobs are going to be gone. So, for a three to five-year bump in high paying jobs, they are willing to sacrifice the ecosystem services that Thundering Waters will provide us with forever. It’s not even a measurable trade-off. Do you think these are the types of jobs the Region wants for Niagara? They don’t seem to be pushing to create many career opportunities these days. They set their bar low. The chair of the Niagara Region, Alan Caslin, is a big proponent of this Thundering Waters project. He has come out publicly and written letters in support of it. They appear willing to sacrifice our green heritage, which should be protected and preserved in perpetuity. They’ve demonstrated time and time again that they are willing to do that. If we went through a proper public consultation and the people of Niagara said listen, Premier, please lift these restrictions and let us develop this provincially significant wetland we See NPCA next page
Card
*
when you spend $25 or more on fresh meat at Fonthill Sobeys
Limited Time Offer
valid Mon - Thurs only
*Free Gift Card to be used on your next shop. No coupon required. Offer includes fresh meat only. Offer is only valid in a single transaction and cannot be combined with any other offer.
#6699
*
Offer is valid Monday, July 3 - Thursday, August 10, 2017 only at the following locations: Ajax Sobeys - 260 Kingston Rd W, Ajax; Burlington Sobeys Extra - 1250 Brant St., Burlington; Flamborough Sobeys - 255 Dundas St., Waterdown; Fonthill Sobeys - 110 Highway # 20, Fonthill. Offer is only valid in a single transaction. Offer is non-transferable for cash. No cash back. Limit one gift card per customer. Limit one offer per customer. Reproduction of this offer will not be accepted. Cannot be combined with other offers for cash.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017
NPCA
The next election is October 2018.
continued from previous page need jobs. If that was the clear message from the people of Niagara, if the process was open, transparent and true I may not agree with the outcome but I wouldn’t fight it either. If the people had spoken what could I do to stop. That’s not what is being done here though. What is being followed here is a series of unilateral decisions by people who hold key positions like mayor, regional counselor, or regional chair. Where would you say the citizens of the Niagara Region stand on the proposed development in Thundering Waters and the issues with the NPCA board? My sense from being involved is that the people of Niagara do not support the development. So far, the public process has been ignored. They started with the public process in Niagara Falls but got nothing but resistance and subsequently stopped it before it was done. At the last public meeting in Niagara Falls, so many people showed up that they decided they couldn’t handle the crowd. They promised us that they would continue with the public consultations, and told us that they needed about a month to find a bigger venue so they could fit everybody in. Well, we haven’t heard from them since then and that was about a year ago. It appears as though they saw where this was going and that they were not going to get the public’s support so they stopped it. Every time they held a meeting the numbers grew and everybody is there to speak in opposition to biodiversity offsetting and what’s going on at the NPCA. We started with 40 people that first night December 2016 at the NPCA headquarters. The next NPCA meeting at Ball’s Falls we had more than 250 people come out. Those weren’t even official public consultations. When the official consultations started in Niagara Falls the numbers grew to hundreds of people – so many in fact we overfilled the building and they couldn’t even get all of us in the door. They are seeing that the trends in public opposition to these issues are growing and they know if they don’t cut it off they are going to be facing thousands of angry citizens, so the public consultations were stopped. What hasn’t stopped though are the behind-the-scenes maneuvering to get this project the go-aheads it needs to proceed. Now that you have had a taste of regional politics in Niagara on a few different levels, do you have confidence that this crew of captains has what it takes to keep the ship moving forward? I believe that the glaring issues confronting us in the Niagara Region can be directly attributed to weak leadership. There are integrity issues within many of our elected representatives and political appointees and the only way to effectively deal with it is for the people to vote them out of office. The citizens of Niagara should demand transparent, ethical and accountable officials.
NPCA staff, citing the constraints of the lawsuit against Smith, would not comment on the record. An NPCA board member familiar with the legal action, speaking on background, said, "Ed Smith isn't being sued because of the questions he asked, he is being sued because of the fraudulent statements and defamatory accusations he made in his 'Call for Accountability' document. It was only when he refused to correct the record that the NPCA chose to sue. Also, just so we are clear, there are three parties suing Ed Smith for false and defamatory statements— Carmen D'Angelo because of an allegedly forged web page, Bill Montgomery, because of the accusations regarding the work he has been doing for the Foundation, and the NPCA because of the damage to the reputation that Smith's statements could do to its charitable foundation." The Voice also sought comment from NPCA board members Baty and Barrick, former CAO D’Angelo, current Chair Annunziata, and former board member Hodgson. Hodgson declined to speak on the advice of his attorney. Neither Barrick, D’Angelo, nor Annunziata responded at all. Only Brian Baty offered comment, as follows: "As you know there are three litigations underway with respect to Mr. Smith and I am unable to comment on those issues while the matter is before the courts. Theorizing motivation for other people’s actions seems to be prevalent in Mr. Smith’s commentary. Whether his theories are accurate or not is irrelevant. The focus should be on “what” they say, not on the conjecture of “why” they say what they do. I wrote an earlier column for the Voice indicating my role in the hiring of senior staff at the NPCA by recommending the use of an external Human Resources consultant to interview and assess candidates before offering a position. This advice was not taken up in the hiring of Directors. In my opinion, those hires are past history as it relates to who they are and what their credentials were at the time. The judgment should be made on their performance in the role. To that end, we have instituted a comprehensive Human Resources policy for the organization, replacing a patchwork of disconnected protocols. We have instituted modern business practices. We have attained financial stability in all our revenue-generating facilities for the first time in 2016. We have prepared a budget for 2017 that, for the first time, no longer relies on reserve funds for sustainability. We have deployed resources and used pre-consultation processes to reduce permit development times from 30 days to 17 days. We have transformed our relationship with stakeholders from an aggressive, confrontative model to a customer service model. Our first-ever strategic plan is nearing completion of 100% of the objectives met by the end of this year. We have already met or exceeded new directions proposed by the government during the current review of the Conservation Authorities Act. And yes, it has not been without turmoil within and outside the organization, but we embrace a pending comprehensive review/audit to dispel allegations and insinuations of wrongdoing by Mr. Smith and others."
You only buy one monument, make sure it will last forever. Summer Special $1549 Taxes and Cemetery fees extra
Niagara's local monument craftsmen, serving families like yours since 1929. Talk to us first, or visit one of our indoor showrooms.
FACTS MATTER. TRUTH MATTERS.
It's your Voice. Subscribe to be sure it's heard. The hard truth: without the support of our readers, the survival of this newspaper is not guaranteed. Our loyal advertisers have to this point made the Voice possible, but as costs increase and as digital eats at the available advertiser pool, we cannot be sustained on advertising alone. For less than $1 per week, you'll help us continue to search for the truth. Your interests are our interests. We want to protect what including HST you want to protect.
$39.95
Three ways to subscribe
1 In Person 2 By Mail 3 Online Visit or call our office. Last autumn we moved to 1428 Pelham Street, opposite Beamer's Hardware in Fonthill. Our hours are 8AM to 2PM, Monday to Thursday, closed Fridays. Payment may be made by cash, cheque, or credit card. You may also call us during these hours at (905) 892-8690 to pay by credit card.
Exclusive Retailer
Send us a cheque for $39.95, made payable to "The Voice." You may use the coupon below, or just drop your cheque into an envelope. Be sure to include your full street address, with postal code. Mail to: The Voice P.O. Box 1489 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0
www.kirkpatrickstoneworks.com
Look for the VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS button at the top left of the home page:
VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS
T
The Voice
1-YEAR VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTION: $39.95
First and Last Name Delivery address with postal code
Type: ___Mastercard ___Visa Credit card security code Please mail completed form to:
Telephone number where you may be reached during the day
Email address (optional) For our records only.
Dunnville ~ Fonthill ~ Fort Erie ~ Niagara Falls ~ Simcoe ~ St. Catharines ~ Welland
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Please do not send cash.
Credit card expiration date
Welland 1051 Niagara St. North 905 732-6752
Quick and convenient: simply visit the Voice website and pay securely using a credit card.
HE VOICE OF PELH A M is our town's eyes and ears. The Voice represents taxpayers, homeowners, parents, and the retired. This newspaper remains the single best way to communicate with virtually every Pelham resident—and it’s one of the few things that everyone in town still has in common. The Voice covers stories big and small, publishes history, commentary, reader letters, and reports on the actions of our elected representatives without fear or favour. All of this delivered weekly to your door. That’s our commitment. Please help us achieve it, for less than a dollar a week. Thank you.
Credit card number
100% Canadian Made
Page 15
THE VOICE P.O. Box 1489 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 If paying by cheque, be sure to include it. Please do not send cash through the mail. Thank you for your subscription.
Page 16
The Voice of Pelham, August 9, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham
REAL ESTATE To advertise here call (905) 892-8690
DEBBIE PINE
NIAGARA REAL ESTATE CENTER, Brokerage 1815 Merritville, Hwy 1 FONTHILL, ON
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
905.892.0222
debbiepine@royallepage.ca SELL phone: 905-321-2261
NIAGARA / FONTHILL, ON 2142 MEADOWBROOK LANE, BURLINGTON $649,200
7087 CENTENNIAL STREET, NIAGARA FALLS $399,985
OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY AUGUST 13, 2PM - 4PM
OPEN HOUSE: SATURDAY AUGUST 12, 2PM - 4PM
Brand new listing… 2142 Meadowbrook Lane in Burlington. This three bedroom two bath home is full of updates and ready for your admiration. Beautiful chef kitchen with walk-in pantry and access to rear yard oasis. Splish splash in your inground pool and enjoy your family gatherings in this amazing backyard. This home is move-in ready. Call for details or visit:
Welcome home! This fabulous family home is situated near all amenities including the new Walmart and Super Centre, Churches, Schools and easy access to the QEW. Neutral decor throughout and move in ready. Enjoy this fully finished family home with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, separate living/dining/ kitchen areas, huge family room downstairs with gas fireplace, large storage area and attached garage. Lots of updates including roof, floors, paint, baths, fence, front door, and laundry room. Come for a tour and see what awaits you at 7087 Centennial Street.
www.2142meadowbrook.com
www.7087centennial.com.
COLUMN SIX continued from Page 1 tices. In 1967 I observed as some students transitioned to what I now call a quasi-hippie culture. Very few adopted the full hippie modus vivendi. Most did not become extremists but chose to adopt some of the hippie fashions, language, music and behaviors. For instance, the peace sign hand gesture was a common form of greeting, long hair became the popular style and colorful tie-dyed clothing and micro-mini skirts became favored fashions. Popularized graffiti prominently included the words, “Peace,” “Love,” “Flower Power,” and anti-war slogans. At some social gatherings there was occasionally a detectable grassy pungency in the air, but alcohol remained the most favored mind-altering substance. LSD was the popular recreational drug within the mainstream hippie movement and fervently promoted by Timothy O’Leary, a favored icon of that time. However, in my experience, this psychedelic was not widely available nor used locally. Being a reasonably young person and constantly in the company of young students, the onset of these new norms also affected me in some ways. I ditched my pin-striped suit for the more popular style of those times. My new attire include a suit jacket with lapels wider that the wingspan of a 747, and bell bottomed trousers that would put a
August 21, 1967.
© GLOBE AND MAIL
naval recruit to shame. My previous buzz-cut hairstyle gave way to shoulder-length tresses with mutton chop sideburns and my calico framed glasses were replace by circular lenses in wire frames. My three bedroom brick bungalow became a “pad” and I “dug” the lingo, brother. As a more academic observation, I admired the fact that large numbers of young people came together, like never before, in a collective effort to right what they perceived to be wrongs in our society. For the most part, they did this peacefully and without rancor. After all is said and done, it is difficult to object to a collaborative that had as its motto “love” and “peace” and advocated for “flower power.” As the peace-loving group they professed to be, they were worthy of being called “the beautiful people.” The phenomenon of the Summer of Love in 1967 was rather brief
Kids near the Woodstock music festival, August 18, 1969. in duration and by the fall of that year much of its momentum and intensity had dissipated for most of its followers. For most it was a memorable time in their lives and they soon returned to mainstream society. Many returned to immerse themselves in their studies and soon shed the vestiges of being a hippie. There were some who choose to stay in the moment of the movement and became, and re-
mained, die-hard hippies. On this, the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love it might be appropriate to turn up the amplifier and listen to the anthem of that time made famous by Scott McKenzie, “Be Sure To Wear A Flower In Your Hair.” Or if you prefer to be your more conventional self, crank up the old phonograph player and listen to, “I Lost My Heart in San Francisco” by the ever-crooning
RIC MANNING PHOTO
Tony Bennett. Same city, same sentiments. Whatever your choice… Peace. Larry Coté is a retired college professor. He was awarded a Governor General’s Medal for his community activities. What were you doing during the summer of ‘67? Write it up and send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca