Southern Tier mayors talk shop page 3 An actual fluffy bunny story page 9 The work of angels page 11 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
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bilko@rgcmail.com Vol.23 No.8
Wednesday, February 20 2019
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No hasty decision on Haist arena
Column Six
Is it really the Real Thing?
Council and Town staff welcome public comment
BY COLIN BREZICKI
BY GLORIA J. KATCH
Special to the VOICE
Special to the VOICE
In spite of the fact that the Town has depleted its cash reserves, "the 'For Sale' sign" is still not on the building," said Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, after a public information meeting was held on the fate of the Haist Street arena last Monday, February 11. Two public information sessions, attended by about 150 residents, were held at the community centre, the construction of which is the main reason for the Town's debt-load. Junkin told the audience that not selling the old arena could result in a tax hit of 10%, or $120 per household, if the public opted to keep the facility. "If people are willing to take that much of a tax hike, we are willing to keep it," he said earlier. Teresa Quinlin, Treasurer and Interim Chief Administrative Officer, estimates the tax increase would be in excess of 7 percent if demolition of the building and remediation of the surrounding soil were to be paid for in their entirety within the next budget.
Darcy Richardson, CPA, CA | Broker
I'd like to buy the world a home And furnish it with love Grow apple trees and honey bees And snow white turtle doves (Chorus) I'd like to teach the world to sing In perfect harmony I'd like to buy the world a Coke And keep it company That's the real thing
Treasurer and Interim CAO Teresa Quinlin addresses the second public meeting held last Monday. Town Council will wait to hear what the "majority of people" in Pelham choose through email, an online survey conducted by the Town, and a poll in the Voice. "There are lots of ways to reach us," Junkin said. The results of a Voice poll on the proposed sale run in this week’s edition on page 2. Residents support selling the arena by 2-to-1, and 86 percent of respondents say that they are unwilling to see their property taxes rise by even a dollar to keep it. The Town’s poll started this Monday and is set to run through Monday, March
4. It may be found at www. pelham.ca/arena-lands Junkin confirmed there would not be a referendum on this issue, which has been ongoing since 2014, when engineering reports indicated the arena's structural damage was too extensive to fix to maintain compliance with building codes. Since then, there have been ongoing consultation processes and information meetings, including surveys to determine the public's input. In 2017, 650 properties and 28 community groups and organizations received emails to comment on “pre-
ferred” choices regarding eventual development of the property, which the Town eventually declared surplus. The history of public consultation is on Pelham's website. The Town’s presentation of options, however, did not include retaining the site for use as a public park, which drew criticism from many in the adjacent neighbourhood. Nearly every candidate elected to council last October campaigned on a promise to reexamine the Town’s decision to sell the land. As Treasurer, Quinlin gave a snapshot of the Town's current finan-
GLORIA J. KATCH PHOTO
W
cial status. She asserted that the Town had invested nearly all of its cash in tangible capital assets, and had borrowed from reserves and reserve funds to pay for these projects, mainly in East Fonthill. According to Quinlin, in May the Town will receive an audited 2018 financial statement that indicates $8 million in cash was borrowed, but the Town is expecting $6.7 million will eventually be returned in development charges. Currently, the Town's wallet is empty, while it does
ITH A MESSAGE to match the sugar content of its soft drink, Coca Cola was one of the first corporations to brand itself with feel-good politics. In its ‘70s commercial, the company torqued a song by the New Seekers embracing diversity and a love of peoplekind. Where the New Seekers advocated inclusion of all races, creeds and colours, Coke simply urged them to drink its product. It was an early ad for globalization: the movement that changed the face of the earth by sticking corporate logos on
See TOWN STAFF Page 10
See COLUMN SIX back page
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Page 2
The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
THE VOICE POLL RESULTS
PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket
Corrections at the top: We have a trio this week, starting with Regional Councillor Diana Huson’s comments to Town Council on February 4 regarding the NPCA. Huson did not, in fact, mention Acting CAO David Barrick by name, nor suggest that the NPCA board was discussing his dismissal. On the fate of the arches above Pelham Town Square, it was Town Clerk Nancy Bozzato, not an assistant, who suggested deferring further council discussion of the matter. And finally, Katie Desharnais, a communications consultant with the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs department of Niagara Region, wishes it to be known that the EarlyON centre in Fenwick is not “daycare” for kids but “drop-in” for kids and parents, the difference being that you can’t deposit the little sweethearts and make a break for Sobeys or Piper’s, but must hang around and participate, or at least observe...Laugh until you cry: The black comedy that is the community centre’s financing and its aftermath gives way to actual comedy this Saturday, with former Pelham resident Grant Taylor back in town to do his stand-up routine at the centre’s first Comedy Night (story, page 7)...About that aftermath: Paying for the centre, as well as the routine maintenance of Town infrastructure, requires cash we don’t have, hence the Town’s desire to sell the old arena. Last Monday, the public was invited to two Q&A sessions on the topic at the community centre. However, it’s looking like a large majority of residents already had their minds made up going in—to sell. Right from the start of our poll on the topic, on February 6, respondents heavily favoured— by 2-to-1—selling the arena, a ratio that has held steady throughout. Even those in favour of keeping the property and repurposing it for other uses do not seem inclined to pay for it, which would really leave us in a financial pickle. See complete poll results, this page. See also the thoughtful commentaries on page 5, one for, and one against, the sale. The Town also wants to hear directly from residents, so if you’re not all polledout by now, head over to www.pelham.ca/arena-lands and have at it...What about the traffic? Some opponents of the sale have raised the issue of increased traffic on Haist Street should houses and townhouses be built on the arena site, prompting one Town official to wonder whether the dozens to hundreds of cars that routinely arrived at arena events over the past 40 years were, in so many words, chopped liver. It’s a fair point... CPAs, where art thou: Council’s proposed Audit Committee, intended to unweave the community centre’s web of financial intrigue, is hurting for resident applicants, who are required to be Chartered Accountants in good standing. This leaves some recently retired accountants, and others with expertise, disqualified. If the goal is to get to the truth, does it matter whether the detective work is done by pros or skilled amateurs? Maybe it’s time to relax those prerequisites a little...We’d like to thank the Academy: The Voice has won some newspaper association awards. But we’re out of room. More on that next week!
By overwhelming majority, readers say Town should sell old Pelham arena Question 1
NO 32%
BY VOICE STAFF
YES 68%
Should the arena be sold?
Question 2
YES 14%
NO 86% Keep and rehab the building?
Question 3
NO 72%
YES 28%
Keep and turn into public park?
Question 4
Up to 5% 12%
Not willing to pay anything 84%
To keep property, I'm willing to pay this much more in property taxes:
Voice on vacation!
Voice readers have come out strongly in support of selling Pelham's old arena on Haist Street. Last week, the Voice Poll asked readers to respond to a short series of questions on the facility's future. As of Sunday evening, 184 qualified responses were tabulated, with the following results. (Percentages rounded to nearest whole number.) Question 1 asked whether the Town should sell the arena and allow residential development on the site. By a margin of more than 2-to-1, respondents said yes. Question 2 asked whether the Town should retain the facility and rehabilitate it for different public use. Over 8 in 10 respondents answered no. Question 3 asked whether the Town should retain the property, demolish the arena, and turn the entire area into a public park. While there was slightly more enthusiasm for this option, some 7 in 10 respondents still answered no. Finally, Question 4 asked how much more residents were willing to pay in property taxes, for two years, if the Town did in fact elect to retain the property and either rehab the arena building, or demolish it to create a park. Some 12% of respondents said that they would pay up to 5% more in taxes; 2% of respondents said they would pay from 6-10% more; and 2% of respondents said that they would pay from 11-20% more. An overwhelming majority of respondents, however, said that they were not willing to pay a single dollar more in property taxes to retain the property. This suggests that even among those advocating keeping the property, there is strong reluctance to contribute personally to achieve this goal. The Voice will continue to run the poll while the Town runs it own poll on the issue. We will update our results concurrently with the Town's results in approximately two weeks. If you have not yet taken our poll, you may find it at:www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/old_arena The Town's poll may be found at:
www.pelham.ca/arena-lands
There is extensive discussion about the arena lands in this week's issue, starting with coverage of last week's public Q&A at the community centre (page 1), and commentary both pro and con on selling the property (page 5).
NRPS impaired driving charges In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region. None of the following charges have been proved in court. In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension. The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample. Ozzie D. BENTLEY, 36, Scarborough Scott D. HARTLEY, 53, Niagara Falls Steven J. SCHMIDT, 60, Painsville OH Richard J. CHETTLE, 60, St. Catharines Aaron L. BROGAN, 44, Mumford NY Corey G. ELLIOTT, 28, Lincoln Natalino VACCA, 70, Niagara Falls Jonathan E. EVANS-URBANOWICH, 30, New Castle
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The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.
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The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019
Page 3
Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini, Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop and Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele participate in a question-and-answer session during the Southern Tier Mayors Luncheon hosted at Bridgewater Golf and Country Club in Fort Erie last Thursday. SARAH FERGUSON PHOTO
Southern Tier mayors discuss future over lunch South Niagara’s mayors talked about important issues facing their communities over lunch last week. In a question-and-answer-style session, Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop, Thorold Mayor Terry Ugulini, Wainfleet Mayor Kevin Gibson, Pelham Mayor Marvin Junkin, and Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele discussed several topics, including the possibility of amalgamation of regional services, and goals for the future, at the annual Southern Tier Mayor’s Luncheon, hosted at Bridgewater Golf and Country Club last Thursday. The event is held each year and is organized by various chambers of commerce in south Niagara. Absent from this year’s meeting was Welland Mayor Frank Campion and Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati. First up, the mayors were asked what they hoped to accomplish over the course of the next four years. Redekop said affordable housing is of great importance in Fort Erie, which is why the previous term of council, under his leadership, established an Affordable Housing Committee to address affordable housing issues and initiatives. His vision, Redekop said, is to strive to make Fort Erie a community where people want to live and visit, and businesses want to locate here.
Fort Erie golf club hosts annual event Ugulini said, “What’s good for the City [of Thorold] is good for the Region,” and that’s economic development. “We can talk about affordable housing all we want but what we need is to provide jobs. That’s key,” he said, and added that Thorold currently has about six subdivisions under development. Junkin said Pelham has put measures in place to curb the further expansion of cannabis facilities in the community by creating stricter bylaws. The goal, he stated, is to ensure these facilities “become good neighbours” before more can move in. “We love the jobs that come with it,” he said about a local cannabis company in Pelham, CannTrust, that provides some 260 jobs. “But we have to try to tame these cowboys. We can’t have our long-time residents forced to be housebound just because these guys are moving in and stinking up the neighbourhood.” Gibson joked that Wainfleet staff were, “working very hard on incentives to get grow-ops to move to Pelham.” He said all of Junkin’s points were well taken and that many cannabis companies haven’t been,
BY SARAH FERGUSON
Niagara Independent News Association “good neighbours.” He said the town has a “heavy to-do list,” which includes building a new fire hall with an ambulance bay, with space for police services. Gibson said something he would like to accomplish over his term is to establish a senior citizen’s advisory committee to address transportation and other services seniors lack in the community he represents. Steele said Port Colborne needs to focus on improving its infrastructure and developing a stormwater plan, which is up for consideration in the budget. He also said Port Colborne is a marine city, with viable land in the municipality to grow the surrounding marine business industry. The mayors were also asked about the possibility of the amalgamation of services in the Niagara Region and the Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives’ review of the province’s regional governments. Speaking about the provincial government’s review of how regional governments operate, Re-
dekop said the review is potentially looking at reducing the number of politicians, but it wouldn’t solve any of the Region’s problems. He argued Niagara’s elected officials earn a small salary, and in some cases, it’s as low as $8,000 per councillor in some municipalities. In Fort Erie, each councillor receives about $13,000 a year, so he said it doesn’t make sense to cut politicians. When all of Fort Erie’s six council members’ salaries are combined, it makes up 0.4 per cent of the Town’s budget, he told the audience. “You’re not saving a lot of money,” he said, and added, “We’re not unmindful of opportunities for cost efficiencies and we will be looking at sharing costs [for other services].” Ugulini said it’s important for Niagara’s municipalities, including Thorold, to participate in the governance review, rather than have the decision forced on the region. “We’re not going to be hiding our heads in the sand on this,” he said, and added that he felt Niagara should keep a two-tier governance model, but the review of the governing body is important
to “focus on delivering cost savings.” In Pelham, Junkin said the amalgamation of some services would be better for all of Niagara. Among those services, Junkin said Niagara should have one local transit operator. “We need to get people to where the jobs are within the region, and the only way to do that is with an effective, integrated transit system.” Gibson said it was important for Wainfleet to keep the municipality intact. “There’s a sense of pride there, and the thought of losing Wainfleet as a town is huge to us.” He also said he would like to see the regional government model modified so lower-tier municipalities keep more of the tax revenue they collect. “We need to streamline the Region so we’re sending less of our tax dollars to the Region,” he said. “Our township should have a little more control over ourselves and where we spend our money.” Steele said amalgamation might be “a dirty word” for some people but it isn’t a bad idea. “We can’t continue to be afraid to talk about amalgamation,” he said, and added that might mean reducing the number of politicians in Niagara or amalgamating some services such as Niagara’s fire departments.
Supporting students with special needs BY VOICE STAFF Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, has announced that his ministry will propose a legislative amendment which, if passed, would support students and their families when making requests to bring service animals into schools and classrooms across the province. In a news release, Oosterhoff says that only 39 of 72 school boards across Ontario have policies in place to address the need for service animals in schools, leaving students and parents “facing challenges to support their child’s special needs.” The amendment would provide guidance on service animals to school boards when developing their own policies to ensure families of students with special needs experience a “fair and transparent process when requesting that their chil-
dren be able to bring a service animal to school.” “We have been hearing from parents how much of a difference it can make to a child’s education to have the service dog in the classroom,” said Oosterhoff. “We want parents and students to know that we are listening to them and working to ensure safe and supportive learning environments for all students.” “This is also about fairness and transparency. Students who would benefit from service animals need to know what the rules and policies are and how to follow them.” If the legislation is approved, all members of the public — including families, education partners, advocacy groups and community agencies — will have the opportunity to provide input on the policy directive that would be issued to boards. Pictured: MPP Sam Oosterhoff with local student Abbey and her service dog, Hope.
Page 4
The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
OPINION
The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.
The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté Respecting our seniors
T
HERE ARE A NUMBER of challenging topics facing Niagara Regional Council. This body has a considerable number of major issues on its order paper. To prioritize the severity of these issues in a manner that will satisfy all sectors of the constituency would, in itself, be a monumental undertaking. One of these major issues that needs to be addressed with an urgency ahead of some of the others is the matter of long-term care facilities for seniors. Currently, the Region is responsible for nine long-term care facilities with approximately 950 beds. There are a number of factors that propel the subject of long- term care to near the top of the list of priorities. Just look at the length of the wait lists for entry into a Regionally operated long- term care facility. According to a Region website, wait times can range anywhere from about 500 days to more than 2,000. The Niagara Community Care Access Centre reported that as of September 2017 there were 2309 individuals waiting for one of the total of 3613 private and public long term beds
in the Region. For example, between the two Regional homes in Welland—Woodlands of Sunset and Rapelje Lodge—at any one time there can be in the order of 645 persons awaiting ad-
Notably, many of these privately owned facilities also have waiting lists
mission to one of the 240 beds between those two facilities. The length of wait time can vary for different levels of lodgings and, to some degree, the immediacy of need demonstrated by an applicant. On average, about six beds become available per month between the two homes. Visitors to the website are warned that these numbers are approximations not to be used in any definitive way. Another factor that plays
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a role in warranting longterm care as a priority is the demography of the Niagara Region, and especially in rural areas such as Pelham. These jurisdictions have larger numbers of seniors than the average for other districts in Ontario. Statisticians estimate that populations over the age of 75 will increase by 72%, and over age 85 will increase by 62%, over the next 20 years. More people are living longer and that has put tremendous pressure on both the need for, and number of, publicly funded long term care facilities and caregiving attendants. Some families have the option of private-for-profit and charitably operated retirement homes if the family’s financial resources can underwrite this more costly option. These fees vary widely and are dependent on a number of factors such as care levels, services and amenities not found in publicly funded facilities. Notably, many of these privately owned facilities also have waiting lists. The monthly fees for residents of publicly funded long term care facilities are See RESPECT next page
Letters Appreciates Hall of Fame mention A sincere thank you for the wonderful article on the Raceline Radio Network and my induction into the Canadian Motorsport Hall Of Fame [Running a racing institution from Fonthill, Feb. 13, p. 11]. I’m humbled by all the very kind congratulatory notes. Very much appreciated. See you at the tracks! Erik Tomas Fonthill
Many nominations for worst road in Pelham I find it humourous that Welland Road has been classified as the worst road in Pelham. It makes me think that the new council is about as aware of the roads in North
Pelham as the last council. Have you ever driven down Kilman Road from Victoria Avenue to Maple? Try not to lose your vehicle’s ball joints or shocks. How about Balfour Street from 16 Road
to Roland Road, or Roland Road from Balfour Street to Maple? Balfour from Kilman to Metler? How about all of McGlashan Street, or Brady See WORST page 6
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900
Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 289-929-2681 Members of Pelham Town Council
Member of Provincial Parliament
Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi mciolfi@pelham.ca 905-892-0077
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755
Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840
Electoral District: Niagara West
Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 289-929-2681 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607
Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805
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Councillor John Wink jwink@pelham.ca 905-892-4475
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Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haun lhaun@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Councillor Bob Hildebrandt bhildebrandt@pelham.ca 905-892-5647
Jill C. Anthony Law Office
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The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019
Page 5
OPINION
Fate of the Pelham Arena lands in residents' hands COMMENTARY / OP-ED Alan Morgan, Resident
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Mayor Marvin Junkin
The case for caution
T
HE TOWN OF PELHAM, staff and elected officials have not handled this file well at all going back to 2016. Starting with discussions with realtors to sell the combined arena lands reported on by the Voice, my neighbours and I had a meeting with the CAO and Director of Planning in 2016. We couldn't believe that a park was being sold, and were told everything was on the table but no decisions had been made. After a campaign to raise awareness of the issues, the Town went to a more consultative process. The charrette process, while well-intentioned, alienated many people by limiting the taxpayers’ choices to five development scenarios. There was never an all-park choice, in spite of voters asking at every charrette session and follow-up meeting why not. The Town had already decided the arena was surplus and the land was being sold without public consultation. Thanks to our new Mayor we are revisiting that issue but under stressful conditions. Their intentions are good but the presentation by Town staff needs to be clearly laid out and be reasonable. The cost assumptions and financing alternatives need to be out in the open so the Mayor, councillors and the people of Pelham have the right infor-
The case for action
mation to make an informed decision. First of all, a park is not a frill or luxury. The arena was built on parks and recreation over four decades ago. If the arena is not being used
There are many well-studied and documented benefits of having parkland
any more then that doesn't mean we should sell off our parkland. There are many well-studied and documented benefits of having parkland. One of them is higher property values for all of the residents. People considering moving to Pelham will think twice if the Town is selling off parkland, basketball and tennis courts, which is the current plan. There are good uses for a park. We know the summer Bandshell concert site behind Town Hall is too small for the summer events. It could be moved to this park and expanded. Many Pelham residents enjoy the concert series and
RESPECT
continued from previous page controlled by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHTLC). The amount paid by residents is called a “co-payment,” as these facilities are subsidized by the province. These fees are dependent on the type of accommodation. Basic accommodation, likely a three-bed ward, has a co-payment in the amount of $1,819 per month. Semi-private rooms are $2,193, and private rooms are costed at $2,599 per month. So among the many issues to challenge Regional Council is the matter of providing sufficient and adequate care of our most vulnerable citizens. The well-regarded senior citizens’ advocate, Douglas Rapelje, has been heard to say, “To the residents, it is not just a place to stay. It is their home!” Our seniors are the kindred folks who built our communities by the sweat of their brow. Now, in their sunset years, surely they deserve a decent, peaceful and comfortable place to rest their weary bones. In April 2018, the province announced 5,000 new long term care beds in Ontario. Therefore, and to respect our seniors, it is up to Regional Council to ensure Niagara gets its share of these additional new facilities. ♦ Larry Coté is a retired professor of business. He has been awarded a Governor General’s Medal for his community contributions.
wish it was a bigger venue with better parking. We must think long-term and not just sell off parkland to meet a one- time cash need. Second, the costs of demolition as stated by the Town are high and the remediation costs are totally unknown. Someone saw a staff person with a bucket of chemicals? We need to have a realistic estimate of the demolition costs. That can be done in a matter of days. We also need to know what the Town staff were doing on the site and where. Running an ice compressor inside of the arena in a confined space isn't going to lead to over $500,000 in cleanup costs. That information will lead to a range of estimates for the remediation of the soil if it’s needed at all. If we don't know any of the answers, then lets say so please. Third, financing a capital project over one year is unrealistic. No capital project in this town will ever get done using that high of a bar. The Treasurer's presentation was unclear about how much the park option would cost, how much it would cost for the average assessed home, and more importantly, how long the increased taxes would go on for. At the meeting I was at, three people asked for clarification on these issues. We See CAUTION next page
O
N FEBRUARY 11, Town Council held a special divided meeting of council, which was called to discuss again the sale of the old arena lands, located at 1120 Haist Street, Fonthill. These two sittings were held from 1 to 3 PM, and from 6 to 8 PM. Almost all members of council had made campaign promises that if the site had not been sold when council took office, then a public meeting would be held to revisit the decision of the previous council to sell the property. The meetings held at the Meridian Community Centre fulfilled these promises. These meetings also met another promise made by me and others—that, if elected, the new council would engage the residents in community decisions, providing them with all the facts needed to make decisions for the good of the entire town of Pelham. With presentations from the Director of Community Planning and Development, Barbara Wiens, and Interim CAO and Treasurer, Teresa Quinlin, information was presented in clear, precise language. An opportunity was then provided for residents to ask questions regarding the property and the proposed site plan. Both presentations are available to review on the Town website. For those residents who
were unable to attend either meeting, I will explain the choices here. If the land is sold, the Town will receive between $2.7 and $3 million dollars for the property, plus approximately $500,000 in devel-
I feel strongly that there is a need to sell this property so that capital projects can be completed opment charge fees. When the site is fully developed, the Town will collect approximately $80,000 annually in property taxes. Because the land is being sold “as is,” the Town would not be responsible for the cost of demolition of the arena and possible remediation of the soil. These two items could cost the Town nearly $1 million dollars. It must be pointed out that the park, playground, paddle tennis and the wooded area on the west side of property boundary would remain. The monies received from the sale of this property would be used to complete capital projects that have
been carried forward from prior years. If the Town does not sell this land, the Town would be forced to take out a $4 million debenture to pay for the capital projects and to fund the demolition of the arena and subsequent soil remediation. This debenture would be paid by raising property taxes 3.9% over ten years. This tax increase would be over and above any usual property tax increase during this time. Also, if we retain the land, we would not receive the $500,000 in development charge fees or the $80,000 in annual property taxes. The taxpayers of Pelham can have input into the final decision by going to the Town website and taking part in the poll which began this Monday February 18, and will be open for voting for two weeks, closing Monday March 4. Once the results have been tabulated, staff will present a report to council and a decision will be rendered by the end of March. As your Mayor, I feel strongly that there is a need to sell this property so that capital projects can be completed with these monies, as opposed to adding to the debt load, which is already at an uncomfortable level. Please visit the website, www.pelham.ca/arena-lands to give your input through the voting process. ♦
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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story! Column Six presents tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past. Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit? Did you meet your spouse-to-be in jail or on an African safari? Do you know where Hoffa’s buried? Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)
Page 6
CAUTION
continued from previous page are still seeing unreliable numbers from the Town. The councillors should be demanding realistic numbers and financing alternatives in order to make an informed decision on behalf of the voters. Keeping all of the site as parkland, being honest and open, were recent campaign issues. It was only in October that the election was held! A 7.7 percent ( Treasurer's number) one-time increase for an average home paying $4,000 in taxes is $308. That is paid in four installments. $77 dollars each due date for one year. The Treasurer wasn't clear whether that 7.7 percent is based on the total tax paid or just the Town portion. If it's only the Town portion then it’s $37.50 each due date for one year. At the meeting I attended, a figure of $140 was talked about. Do our councillors know these numbers? I don't and I went to the meeting to get that information. Another financing alternative is to include the cost in an upcoming debenture issue. If we use debenture financing, like we did for the community center, then the cost per tax installment is closer to $1.00 (one dollar) for each installment. There are many other financing options in between these two alternatives, which I believe should be explored. How much room do we have to issue deben-
The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019 tures now that hundreds of homes have been built here, contributing more tax dollars to our debt limit? The debt-limit numbers presented at the meeting and how close we are to the limit were from the same presentation I saw a year and a half ago? Those were
The community centre has seen enough of our money for a lifetime
based on 2016 numbers. Are the councillors aware of these financing alternatives? Do they know how much room we have to borrow today? Are we unable to borrow any money? It was only a few months ago that the previous council, KPMG and others were telling us all is well. Now the same staff are recommending we need to use debt counseling tactics. It’s unfortunate that the message from the Town is not clear and is being presented in a way that is alarming taxpayers. Who would vote in favour of 7, 8 ,9 or 10 percent tax increases? Yet we can consider more parking for the new hockey arena to
accommodate a very short term event? Is that another alarming tax levy? Why wasn't that presented by the Town as a large tax increase? The community center has seen enough of our money for a lifetime. It now needs to be properly managed to minimize the financial impact on future taxes. The previous town staff estimates of $100,000-a-year operating loss are far from the truth. The Interim CAO and Treasurer needs to come up with an operating plan that fences-in the costs of the community center. Building a $40 million project with no realistic operating plan was irresponsible. I, for one, don't want to see any more of my tax dollars going into the community center. Let's start thinking about how we can make the rest of our town better and more attractive to everyone. I call on the Town to publish a range of costs for keeping all of the park, along with a range of tax levies for the average home owner based on different financing alternatives. Cash-only is not a realistic option. Once the parkland is sold for development, it’s gone forever. ♦ [Editor’s note: According to the Town’s “preferred” development plan, the large majority of housing will be built where the existing arena and parking lot now sit. The present soccer field area, playground, and platform tennis courts will remain.]
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IceDogs to appeal major OHL fine St. Catharines-based team dinged $250,000, docked draft picks, over alleged violations BY JOHN CHICK
Special to the VOICE
The Niagara IceDogs say they will appeal a $250,000 fine by the Ontario Hockey League over what the league called a violation of its player recruitment policies. As part of the punishment, the St. Catharines-based team was also stripped of firstround draft picks in the 2019 and 2021 OHL Priority Selection process. “The League takes our commitment to our players and their player experience very seriously, which includes ensuring a fair and competitive on-ice experience among all teams,” OHL commissioner David Branch said in a statement last Friday. “In order to maintain the integrity of this player experience and competitiveness within the league, it is critical that all clubs operate within the league recruitment guidelines. When a club ignores these guidelines, significant sanctions are required.” The financial penalty is a significant one for a Junior-A hockey club, although it’s not unprecedented in the OHL. In 2012, the Windsor Spitfires were fined $400,000 and stripped of multiple draft picks over similar violations. That fine was later reduced to $250,000 after the Spitfires admitted wrongdoing. That does not appear to be a route the IceDogs are taking in this matter, with the
team denying the charges being leveled by the OHL. “All current Niagara IceDogs players and hockey operations staff have no involvement in the sanctions assessed today by the Ontario Hockey League,” the team tweeted on Friday. “An appeal will be filed.” The OHL’s punishment of the IceDogs was handed down after what the league described as a third-party investigation by Toronto law firm Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP. Whispers and allegations of improper recruiting benefits have increased in the junior hockey ranks in recent years as more and more Canadian youngsters choose instead to play U.S. collegiate hockey in the NCAA. Interestingly, that sporting body has had a rampant longtime issue with similar violations involving football and basketball players. The Canadian Hockey League — which oversees the OHL, the Western Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League — permits only relatively small financial stipends and educational packages for its players. “The amount of money under the table in those leagues is rampant,” Seth Appert, a USA Hockey developmental coach, told Sporting News in 2012.
WORST
look like a smooth ride. The new council should go for a ride together out in North Pelham so they can make more accurate road assessments. Guido Mueller Fonthill
continued from Page 4 Street? I could go on and on. The shape of the roads in North Pelham are atrocious—they make Welland Road
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The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019
Page 7
Comedy comes to the community centre BY GLORIA J. KATCH
Special to the VOICE
If he kills on stage on the coming comedy night, great, but if he dies, well, Taylor Grant hopes his friends will turn him into a piñata stuffed with sushi. His only requirement is that his buddies wear dresses to his funeral. The other alternative is to “stuff me into a coffee table, so people can eat off me,” says Grant, a comedian who hasn’t quite yet figured out what he wants to be remembered for, or the inscription on his headstone. While he may not have his funeral arrangements sorted, Grant, a play write, screenwriter and standup comedian, says his stand-up comedy routine is all freshly written material focused on Pelham. All this work and fun is for the community centre’s first Comedy Night, on Feb. 23, starting at 8 PM. The show’s promoter and host, David Green, says the centre is slated to host comedy nights three times this year— February, July, and November. The comedy shows are a result of the Garden City Comedy Festival, held at the First Ontario Performing Arts Centre in St. Catharines, notes Green. Out of some 40 contestants, several finalists are chosen, and then continue on to perform in events like these, he says. Green is also on the playbill along with Fiona O’Brien, Chris Jarvie, and headliner Glen Foster. Billed as “That Canadian Guy,” Foster has worked comedy clubs from coast to
coast, and made numerous television appearances, including eight times on the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, says Green. Grant, 25, lived in Pelham until about six months ago, so writing about Pelham and the Niagara area is personal and close to home for him, which is just the type of comedy he enjoys writing most. Grant studied acting at Niagara College, and enjoys writing plays and screenwriting. He created Senior Stories, a theatrical presentation, which he says was particularly rewarding. “It was nice to see seniors tap their feet, to sing and clap their hands.” Acting and doing voiceovers led him to do impersonations as a stand-up on stage. Grant says he first picked up the trait by imitating his grandmother, who still, after 50 years in Canada, had a “thick Dutch accent.” Comedy is Grant’s passion. He realized a long time ago that he is terrible at routines, gets bored easily, and finds many jobs too repetitive. So, comedy and writing give him creative control and an engaging life. Creating characters are a part of his “defense mechanism” he admits. One of his favourite comedic idols is Jim Carrey, also born and bred in Canada, but known for his gummy-faced, over-the-top characters like Fire Marshall Bill,
Taylor Grant in performance. on the sketch comedy show, “In Living Color,” his lead role in “Pet Detective,” and schizophrenic persona in, “Me Myself and Irene.” While comedy can be shocking, rude or weird, Grant says he doesn’t venture into those territories as much. While he admires political comedians, he doesn’t feel he is knowledgeable enough about politics to explore the subject, besides, “At this time politics is funny enough, and has its own comedy going.” “I try to be relatable,” he says. “I don’t want to offend people, but still push the limits of comedy.” Sex is a topic he says he delivers in simple terms and not crudely. “My mother is a hockey mom, and so whatever I do, I want to be able to say in front of my mom.” He describes his parents as “cool,” though, saying that his father smoked pot, and his moth-
er recently began using it for pain relief, as she was diagnosed with breast cancer. However, Grant is pleased to say she is cancer-free with “a full head of curly hair.” Marijuana and the number of grow-ops in Pelham is something he will be touching on during his show. Given that Grant grew up on Emmett Street in Fonthill, and worked at Volcano Pizza, he has many local tales to serve up. He describes his comedy as being the epitomy of “the jack of all trades.” “I don’t have a card,” he says. “I’m not black, so I can’t play the race card, or gay to play the gay card.” He also doesn’t have strange mannerisms or a bizarre enough appearance to play “the weird, freaky guy or geeky nerd.” And no, he doesn’t use puppets. He describes himself more like the guy next door, and while he admits
SUPPLIED PHOTO
that it’s not much of a schtick, it’s proven to be someone the audience can identify with. Grant’s dad is his coach, and his mom is his fan, so they are happy to fill him in on any local news he may have missed while living in Oakville the last six months. While Just for Laughs has run several theme shows, this is not one of them. “There are no pre-game talks,” he says, adding, “Everyone will be speaking to their own personal experiences.” In addition to it being a bonus to open for Glen Foster, he adds that he’s “super-excited” to be in the new community centre. When reminded of the controversy over the cost to build it, and the bills to keep it running, Grant says he’s aware of the issues, and has a game plan in case the lights go out.
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The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019
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Go Bingham or go home I would like to see us specialize in green energy jobs
Liberal candidate wants to tackle big problems in a big way BY GLORIA J. KATCH
Special to the VOICE
The cannabis industry has both problems and potential, and in recognition of this, Ian Bingham, who is a federal Liberal candidate running to represent Niagara West, hopes to solve several of Niagara and Pelham's pot problems if elected. In fact, after speaking with the Voice, he was on his way to St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle's nomination party. MP Bill Blair, from Scarborough East, who helped usher in the marijuana legislation in Ontario, also attended. Blair was the former president of the Canadian Association Chiefs of Police, and made headlines on a variety of issues as the Toronto Chief of Police from 2005 to 2015, before being elected to office. Bingham said they discussed hosting a meeting in Pelham regarding how ministers and municipalities could collaborate to solve some of the local marijuana issues. However, Bingham reported Blair is waiting for a Liberal candidate to be chosen in Niagara before he will commit, or be able to schedule a meeting. Niagara is one of the largest areas in Ontario devoted to pot development, and millions of dollars are being pumped into local agriculture, Bingham said. The legalization of marijuana undercuts the black market, which results in fewer people prosecuted for this personal choice, which is ethically important to Bingham, a criminal lawyer.
However, one of Niagara's strengths as an agriculture producer is its capability to produce bio-fuels and renewable energy sources. "I would like to see us specialize in green energy jobs," he said. The windmills that dot many rural areas in Niagara are from other countries like Germany, and Canada need to build its own industry to mitigate and eventually eliminate its dependence on fossil fuels. More solar panels need to be implemented, as well. Bingham indicated bio-waste digesting, which he described as a "giant composting system," creates heat energy from decomposing materials underground. Ethanol production is another option. He believes investing in green energy would replace many of the industry and factory jobs lost in manufacturing. When he was 18, Bingham recalls acting as a guide to younger Toronto students by taking them on canoe trips up north, and said he has always felt close to the environment. "After the kids stopped whining about their iPods," Bingham believed they learned to appreciate Mother Nature, and hopefully the importance of environmental conservation and preservation. He loved science when growing up, and so the idea of acidic oceans and melting icecaps causing climate change and erratic weather patterns are catastrophic to him.
Ian Bingham with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This issue tops the list of the Liberal platform, and carbon tax and pollution pricing will be a part of the upcoming election, pointed out Bingham, adding, "There is a lot of information on that." One of the reasons he chose to represent the liberals on a federal, rather than a provincial level, is that he wanted to deal with “larger problems.” While education mainly falls under provincial jurisdiction, Bingham said the federal government does provide some revenue and can make changes in legislation to possibly curtail the provincial government slashes to educational programs. The Ford government has eliminated many of the grant programs in post-secondary education, implemented higher repayment plans on stu-
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dent loans, and, as of last week, there were proposals to change kindergarten from a full-day to a half-day program. "That's the most shortsighted thing that we can do," he said. When young adults do not have education opportunities, it leads to a society fraught with problems. There is a close correlation between the lack of education to poverty, drug abuse and the criminal justice system, he noted. As a criminal lawyer, Bingham has had to deal with youths and minors charged and sentenced to detention facilities. He believes the criminal justice system needs an overhaul, and needs to be more rehabilitative, eliminating recidivist rates. He asserts that judges are also not educated on trauma and in dealing with sexual abuse
cases, which affects how sentences are deliberated. Judges also need to know more about child and youth crime resulting from behavioural problems, and mental health issues in general. He cited the rehabilitative systems in Scandinavian countries as being better models for improving society. Bingham studied criminal law, and particularly common law in Moncton, New Brunswick in a French immersion program. He was stationed out east in the military. Even at that time Bingham knew that he eventually wanted to become involved in politics, which would require fluency in French. He began practicing as an employment and immigration lawyer, and once he passed the bar, he became a criminal lawyer. The Grimsby resident litigates and spends most of his time in court, and consequently experiences antiquated and "unjust laws" that need changing. He says the time for complaining is over. The only way to make legal changes is through legislation, which is another reason politics is his next career choice. If elected, Bingham said he will "pass off" his private See BINGHAM Page 15
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Page 9
Mad as a hatter for her bunnies Passion for furry friends is also profitable BY GLORIA J. KATCH
Special to the VOICE
At 19, Amy Jones wonders if some people already label her as "the creepy rabbit lady." Regardless, she happily admits her adoration for the fuzzy, twitchy nosed creatures, especially the rare English Angora breed she raises. "Some people are cat people, some are dog people, I'm a rabbit person," she says, adding, "Everybody's got their thing." Jones names all of her rabbits and has a backpack for them, so she can carry one or two around. She doesn't stray far from home for long, however, because the rabbits can get nervous from all the attention, which is why she didn't take them to high school very often. When there are crowds of people trying to pet them all the time, they will try to jump out of her knapsack and hop away, she says. "My rabbits are my kids," she says, in as much of a motherly tone as a 19-yearold can muster. "I think they're a little too spoiled sometimes.” The hair from the Angora rabbits can be used to make yarn, which is spun
Amy Jones and her Angoras.
into clothing. Usually, the hair, which is silky smooth, is intertwined with another durable fibre when made into cloth, much like alpaca wool. When Jones was about 12 years old, she began working on an alpaca farm and stayed on for several years. Cousins to llamas, alpacas are also very clean animals and they like to "all poop in one pile." Similar to rabbits, they can be skittish and shy, says Jones, and are sheared for their expensive hair. After you become accustomed to alpacas, their distinctive facial features become apparent, she notes. An animal lover at heart, Jones
says that alpaca babies are "incredibly cute." It was at the alpaca farm that she was first introduced to English Angora rabbits, which are "big beautiful balls of soft fur." There is a French breed, as well. As far as different breeds of rabbits go, she prefers the English Angora because they are "kind and won't scratch.” "They love to be petted and be a part of your family." They are also characterized by their erect ears, broad noses, and are bred in a variety of colours. But because their fur is so fluffy and soft, Angora rab-
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Page 10
The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019
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Town staff, council answer resident questions on proposed sale continued from Page 1 have a credit line of some $7 million dollars up to September 30, and $4.5 million dollars between then and the end of this year. An audience member calculated all of the upcoming capital and budgetary costs and said, "In total we're basically $43 million dollars in debt.” Quinlin affirmed the amount. "We're working on trimming it," said Quinlin about the cost of projects designated for funding in the upcoming capital budget. In 2019, there are $2.6 million dollars-worth of ongoing projects, deferred from previous years. Currently, the proposed capital budget indicates a 4% tax hike for this year, excluding the Region's portion, which will likely add several percentage points. The Town is hoping that revenue generated from selling the arena—with its assessed value
of $2.7 to $3 million dollars—will cover this $2.6 million requirement. In an earlier interview with the Voice, Quinlin estimated that the cost to demolish the arena could be some $500,000, though acknowledged that the figure was speculative. During the public meeting, Barb Wiens, Director of Community Planning and Development, explained that due to the tarmac and development surrounding the building, remediation of the soil is estimated at another $500,000. When asked about the costs to sell it, Wiens said the property would be sold “as is," and the buyer or developer would be picking up the tab for these costs. In the Town’s original 2018 realty listing, such removal and remediation by the buyer were stipulated as conditions of sale. Sources familiar with an earlier offer of $3 million
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dollars on the property say that the deal fell through at the last moment, but didn’t know whether the demolition and remediation requirements were what killed it. As a result of surveys and consultation meetings, Wiens outlined five different design plans as to how the site should be developed. The recommendations were the result of "not one point, but many viewpoints," she said, from agencies, staff, consultations with developers and the public. From the public's input, the Town concluded in 2017 that it would sell only the arena and existing parking lot, not the adjacent woodlands, soccer field, and playground. The property would be sold on condition that the buyer develop it in accordance with a predetermined concept that would see a mix of townhouses and detached homes
build on the site. The previous town council approved this plan in 2017. Wiens said that enhancement of the remaining recreational amenities would be determined in consultation with the buyer. Audience member Andy Lucchetta asked if the Town received $3 million for the arena, and allocated $2.6 million of the proceeds to cover capital projects currently underway, whether the excess $400,000 could be used to develop the park and playground, including a splash-pad for children. Quinlin answered, "This would definitely be a consideration, but it hasn't come up yet." When another audience member asked about increased traffic once new housing was built, Wiens said that concerns about parking and traffic would be addressed in more detail once a specific subdivision plan was brought forward.
Another participant asked whether the Town
This would definitely be a consideration, but it hasn't come up yet
could offer affordable housing to the community. Wiens replied that the Niagara Regional Housing Corporation deals with this type of housing model, which is geared to income, and this was "tricky to deal with." Despite the Town's plan for townhouses and single-family dwellings, an-
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other audience member asked if a developer could change this concept once the land was purchased. Wiens replied that it was possible, but current zoning calls for townhouses, and this could not be changed without applying for a zoning variance, which would have to be approved by council. Mayor Junkin reaffirmed the Town would not sell the property for less than $2.7 million dollars. When asked if the Town was so desperate for cash that it would sell the land at a "fire sale” price, Junkin replied that current offers range from $2.7 to $3 million, which the Town considers acceptable. Questions were asked about the recreational use of the area, and Wiens said the Town has a, "separate cultural master plan for development. When we do the development application, we look at that through that lens as well." Vickie vanRavenswaay, Director of Recreation, Culture and Wellness, said the Town is, "well supplied with soccer fields," and noted that the nearby Harold Black Park was better suited for play, as opposed to the Haist Street lands, which contained some "quicksand" areas. Resident Debbie Demizio commented that she was pleased the Town wasn't just asking about what choices to make regarding the sale, but whether or not the sale should occur at all. While most questions posed by those in the audience didn't indicate directly whether they were for or against the sale, one man said he knew that Regional and police budgets were escalating, and he didn't want to experience, "any more increases" in Pelham. Council will consider next month how it wishes to proceed, after staff collates public comment obtained between now and March 4. Councillor email addresses and telephone numbers may be found in the Voice’s ongoing “Contact Your Elected Officials” feature on page 4. The Town's online opinion poll may be found at www. pelham.ca/arena-lands
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The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019
Page 11
Precious Angels, wrapped in loving care BY GLORIA J. KATCH
Special to the VOICE
It's kind of "bittersweet," laments Robyn Moore, recreating the scenario that resulted in the founding of her charity, Precious Angels Niagara, which supplies dresses and wraps to the parents of babies who die very young, or at birth. The clothing and wraps are sewn from wedding gowns donated by women who want to assist this unique charity, which was founded five years ago. "When you think about it, a woman donates a dress, which is supposed to be from the best day in her life, to a grieving mother, " Moore said. She believes the gesture is wonderful, since many infant deaths happen unexpectedly, and, "the last thing a mother would want to do is shop for clothes after the death of their child." Moore and co-founder Lynn McIntre-Enns developed the charity to supply clothing and wraps in a variety of sizes to hospitals, funeral parlours and a few senior homes to prepare the child for burial. Despite the tragedy of a stillborn, they still think of the baby as their "precious angel," she said. The wraps are available locally at Pleasantview and James L. Pedlar funeral homes in Pelham, as well as at St. Catharines General Hospital. There are also clothing and wraps donated to several local Indigenous nations, including Mohawk, The Bay of Quinte and Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory and Home, Chapleau Cree First Nations. Moore said she has a couriering partner that delivers clothing locally, free of charge, but for places farther north, they use a commercial courier such as UPS. The clothes are free, and oftentimes the funeral director or hospital will offer to dress the baby. "We've had some funeral directors shed tears receiving these," she said, adding that it is heartbreaking for everyone concerned when a baby dies. Although Precious Angels doesn't have direct contact with the fami-
From left, Katharine Ryan-Jeffs, Robyn Moore, and MaryAnne Giallonardo. lies, Moore has received plenty of thank-you notes passed on to her through hospitals and funeral parlours and on its Facebook page. Some of the clothing is made to size, but many are wraps that cover the baby. There is a little pocket attached, and the garment stitching can be in pink or blue, or yellow and silver for neutral colours, in case the gender of the baby isn't known. A three-part charm is put on each wrap, which the mother can remove and store as a keepsake box in memory of the child. "A Precious Angel" tag is labelled on each garment, as well. Some of the clothes resemble christening dresses, and they are all either white or cream-coloured, she said of the 1,300 wedding gowns they have received over the last five years. Despite the fact that most of these funerals are closed caskets, Moore said, "We've had messages from heartbroken mothers thanking us for the clothes." Moore doesn't recall the exact date, but said, "a while ago," legislation changed requiring a mother to name her baby and give it a
proper burial or cremation after the 24-week gestation point. So many of the wraps are used. While Moore admits she isn't aware of the infant mortality rate, she hopes it has declined. To date, Precious Angels has been able to keep up with demand. Ten wraps can be made from one wedding dress. In 2017, Moore said her charity collected about 500 dresses in three weeks, and currently Precious Angels Niagara no longer needs dresses. She also believes they will not need any more for about two years. While Precious Angels Niagara is unique and services the entire province, she said there are similar agencies that sew baby garments and wraps for funerals. However, they are not affiliated, she said. "People assume it's just seamstresses that make up the team, but it takes many hands to do this, and we have about 30 volunteers to pull this all together," she said. In addition to the two seamstresses from Pelham—Katharine Ryan-Jeffs and MaryAnne Giallonardo—there are others who collect dresses and dismantle them,
LIONS AND BEARS Lioness Imelda and Eleanor present 80 Teddy Bears that they collected at their annual Teddy Bears Picnic to the Pelham Fire Department and EMS. Accepting the Bears is Pelham Bylaw Enforcement Officer Craig Genesse. SUPPLIED PHOTO
as well as arrange the shipping and assist with the packaging. Chuck Farkas and Darlene Anger are also volunteers from Pelham. Jennifer Richard of Everybody Fitness in St. Catharines has raised $2,000 over the last two years presenting Zoomba events. Coyote's Run, a winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, also donated money from recycled bottles, which she believes is an easy way for businesses to help out other charities, especially those like Precious Angels, which is non-registered and doesn't issue tax receipts. Moore, who is retired and without children, started the organization through ordinary circumstances, or happenstance. She had left her wedding dress in storage at her mother's house, and when her mother was moving and de-cluttering asked her what she wanted to do with it. Moore related to her friend that lives in the U.S. that she wanted to donate her wedding gown, and her friend sent her an online link to a non-profit organization in Texas that collects wedding dresses to make baby clothes. Moore thought the concept was
GLORIA J. KATCH PHOTO
heartwarming and unique. However, she discovered there wasn't any service like that locally, and felt compelled to start one here. She began by posting a need for wedding dresses through Facebook, "and the rest is history.” When someone donates a dress, Moore places a picture of it on Facebook to officially thank the donor. While she admits it's difficult to track where all the finished clothes are sent, many of the designs are "very creative.” Moore is pleased with her retirement project, saying that it keeps her busy and fullfilled. In retrospect, she said many mothers who lost their children years ago had their babies taken away, and they never had a chance to see them. There was no closure, which can be "very traumatic.” Moore said, "It's very sad how mothers were treated, and they still refer to their child as the precious baby angel they never had." So the organization continues to remain heartfelt to Moore, who is convinced her retirement and this concept was "divine intervention and fate," adding,"It was meant to be."
TALENT ON DISPLAY After adding an artistic flare to Pelham Town Hall with their many art exhibits, Grade 9 students from E. L. Crossley Secondary School were recently awarded certificates of honour by Pelham Town Council. Art teacher Sherry Wilkinson said the artwork, known as "Scratch boarding," begins on a black background, and then the details are trimmed away. The presentation by council gave the students, many who hadn’t drawn previously, confidence and recognition by placing their work in a public space. In future, Wilkinson hopes to secure a exhibition space at the new community centre, where more students can share their talents. GLORIA J. KATCH PHOTO
Page 12
The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019
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Places of Worship and Events Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick
First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., North Pelham
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
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NURSERY HELP Greenhouse/Nursery Maintenance nursery growing container grown perennials,
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Wholesale nursery growing container grown perennials, vines, nursery flowering shrubs,container evergreens & trees is seeking Wholesale growing grown perennials, who likeevergreens to work with& plants. We are in need of vines,individuals flowering shrubs, dwarf trees seeking part time June)inand full time general individuals who(April, desireMay, a career horticulture. We arelabourers in well as labourers those skilled theasgrowing, management need as of general as in well those skilled in the and shipping of nursery stock. Plant knowledge and experience is growing, management and shipping of nursery stock. an asset but not necessary. If you are an individual who has Plant organizational knowledge and experience is an asset. are skills and dedication as well Ifasyou a willingness an individual skills and dedication to work who as a has teamorganizational player, we look forward to hearing from as wellyou. as aWages willingness to work as a team player, we look will commensurate with experience. Resumes forward to be hearing from you. Wages will commensurate may emailed to hr@willowbrooknurseries.com or dropped with experience. mayofbe8:00a.m.-4:00p.m. dropped of between the off betweenResumes the hours Monday to hours Thursday of 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m. Monday to Thursday orat: 8:00a.m or 8:00a.m -12:00 noon on Fridays -12:00 noon on Fridays at:
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PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Looking for seasonal/ time help. Make six cards with fall themes, learning a variety of full techniques. Materials FITNESS Applicant must be able toabout work min. 40-60 are provided. At time of registration, please enquire tools needed. Beautiful Mind Personal Training hours/week in any Tues., Sept. 16 10 Endurance – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead. Visitconditions www.pelhamImprove Strength, and Flexibility weather and weekends.Lifting 50 lbs with Sarah Rose. library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. comfortably is required.
New Features include Circuit Training for Fat Loss, Small Jobs included pruning, Group Youth Training and Accountability Groups. Book Planting trees, thinning FABULOUSyour FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY and harvesting fruit, free Consultation. and sorting Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the packing community. Haddock, Text or Call 905-701-2460, fruit. No Experience or email beautifulmindtraining@gmail.com required. No Education french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. required, Must have own transportation. Min $14.00/hour. PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE wage Please drop resume off at 825 Canboro Rd, Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide Fenwick Ontario L0S cheaper options for players in this upcoming season. 1C0Runs Sept. 6 from
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PELHAM MUDFEST Do you run have on old the issues of the Men and women will be back in the year is Week of mud as the second Voice published from 1997 to held at Bissil’s Hideaway. February 18 2007? How about the Pelham Posted NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION February 13
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Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting GARDEN event. It CLUB runs from Sept. 11-14 at theCentral Welland Fairgrounds. Pelham Garden Club Feb 25, 2019 BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE Darrell Bley Instructor/Curator Pruning The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive rideSubject: taking Proper place on Sept.of Trees This ad is to be printed by all participating Ontario Time: 7:00 pm papers 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker FamPlace: Pelham Public Library ily Cancer Centre. Refreshments/Door Prizes All Welcome
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WALKING CLUB Interested in walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena Theam. manThere who stops advertising to save from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 Support money is like the man is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ who stops the clock to save time. local pelham.ca or call 905your 892-2607, ext 329.
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HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables at the Market or bring a non-perishable food item to fill the hampers at the Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4.
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The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019
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BINGHAM
continued from Page 8 practice to devote full-time to his constituents. At 29, he plans to marry, but does not have any children, and can commit to his passion for politics. For the first time in history, the number of seniors outnumber any other population group in Canada. The drastic demographic change requires a lot of changes with regard to health care and housing. "They say humans require the most health care the first and last six months of their lives," Bingham noted. As a result, the Liberals are attempting to develop a seniors department that links students up with seniors, which serves a dual purpose. Many students need housing while in school, and they can receive that by living with a senior, while in turn assisting them with household duties and chores. The linking program is beneficial for both generations to learn and understand each other, as well as to reduce the demand for support workers in each community. Bingham said the program would allow seniors to remain in their homes longer and improve their quality of life. Liberalism is Bingham's preferred political choice. He believes the party thrives because of its "openness and healthy discourse." In the military, he said he felt there was "lots of discretion given to different levels of leadership.” Unlike what most people perceive of the military, he said it was more like, "a democracy within a democracy," which suited Bingham as he said he is "not a blind follower.” Similarly, he is confident about representing the needs of his riding, no matter the diversity of his constituents. Bingham had an opportunity to meet briefly with Prime Minister Trudeau following his visit to Brock University on January 15. Trudeau gave a brief speech and said that in future there would be more complex problems to solve. His campaign slogan offering more "Hope and Hard Work" was well put, said Bingham. The Prime Minister encouraged his audience to remain optimistic, and Bingham had a chance to exchange a few words with him in French. Bingham predicts Trudeau will win a second term of office. Of the NDP leader, he said Jagmeet Singh is not considered strong enough and may not result in heading the NDP federally if he loses in his B.C. riding. Progressive Conservative leader Andrew Scheer hasn't been able to "capture the hearts and minds of Canadians yet." Bingham and Erica Commons, who is from St. Catharines, are the only two candidates running for the Liberal Party in Niagara West. "Anyone can throw their name in the hat," he said. The date for selecting the Liberal representative hasn't been set for the upcoming fall election as yet, but Bingham is ready. He's been ready for most of his life.
The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019
Page 15
Dragons' Den contestants aim to slay debt DSBN partners with firm selling educational video BY GLORIA J. KATCH
Special to the VOICE
Fans of the CBC TV show, Dragons’ Den, know that most marketing pitches presented by the entrepreneur-contestants get slayed, unless they're original, lucrative and appealing enough for the committee of proclaimed business allstars to invest in. One such educational idea had two Dragon personalities, Jim Treliving, owner of the Boston Pizza franchise, and Bruce Croxon, co-founder of Lavalife, voicing their support for the development of the Enriched Academy, an educational video that educates students in managing finances. The program is intended to demystify finances, and make them understandable and applicable for students in their daily lives. Since the educational product made its Dragons’ Den debut, the idea has been spreading like wildfire, and particularly locally, as the District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) has partnered with the Enriched Academy to offer the video as part of a pilot project for its Specialist High Skills Major Students (SHSM) program. The DSBN's board of trustees voted last month to invest $1 million into SHSM program at its inaugural board meeting. The Enriched video course costs $450 for adults if purchased online, but DSBN is purchasing the program so it’s free for its SHSM students. If the pilot project is successful, Kevin McCarthy, Head of Corporations and Institutions of Enriched Academy, is hoping to see the video in every high school in the province, "because everyone deserves financial awareness," to quote the Academy's business card and slogan. MPP Sam Oosterhoff, as Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministry of Education, is interested in expanding financial literacy programming as a part of the regular high school curriculum across the province. "We see a real need for this, and these are a part of basic life skills." he told the Voice. Oosterhoff said his government has been involved in extensive consultation with education officials and the public to garner feedback on some seven different subject categories of education, including business math. Kevin Cochran, co-founder of the Enriched Academy, made several alarming comments about money management, which included how many National Basketball Association (NBA) players are at the brink of bankruptcy within two years, because they are not financially astute. "We just signed a deal with the Canadian Foot-
Kevin McCarthy and Kevin Cochran. ball League," said Cochran, so that players can learn about how to better manage their money. In the last three years, $5 million in debt was defaulted in Canada, because people "are not good with money." "That's insane," he said. There are doctors that make $300,000 a year who are broke, while a plumber making $90,000 a year is doing well, because the plumber knows how to manage the money he has, noted Cochran. The biggest psychological financial mistake people make is putting off investment, until they feel they are making "enough money" to invest. Cochran advises that students learn how to live on the money they have. "Why would you learn from your mistakes, that's so stupid. Learn from other people's, it's much cheaper than way," he said. He noted that many people make decisions based on two things—either inspiration or desperation. These two motivators lead people to spend money indiscriminately, and that is why Cochran believes it is so important for people to learn how to invest properly. Regardless of how much a person makes, he suggests putting away a certain percentage of it, so it accumulates interest and can be used in emergencies. If a person puts off investing, when they receive a raise they just spend it, he said. Credit card debt is one of the biggest financial problems students experience. "It's a magical piece of plastic," he said, but credit cards are deceiving, because they are easy to use and it doesn't feel as if money is being spent. At the end of the transaction, there is still "money in your wallet." "Most families hang onto $9,500-worth of credit card debt. If you only make the minimum payments, it would take you 86 years to pay that off, yet they give credit cards to people who are not educated," said Cochran. Learning about money teaches responsibility. Cochran chuckles at famed millionaire Warren Buffett, who started investing at 11 years old. "He said he wasted his life before that." At a kickoff presentation made on Valentine’s Day at
E. L. Crossley, Cochran and McCarthy gave an overview of the program on a projector screen, highlighting various program modules. The program modules include interviews with sports personalities, who discuss how the financial program assisted them, which are intended to make the videos entertaining and engaging. Viewers learn how to use business math as it pertains it to their lives. Students log into the 30-minute learning modules through their computers, and work at their own pace. A quiz is given at the end of each module, and students must score 80% before moving on to the next topic. One of the first modules has students answering questions to determine their financial score and rating. Money Myths, Increasing Your Financial Literacy, Understanding Credit and
GLORIA J. KATCH PHOTO
Learning about RRSPs, and The Stock Market are some of the modules included. There are other modules geared to business people that deal with brand protection. Cochran noted Canada has high rates of investment in mutual funds, which is an area everyone should take advantage of. Goal setting allows anyone watching the course to align their money with their career goals. Janet Cripps, DSBN Program Leader of Student Services, said there are about five hours of video and noted that her son, who doesn't converse much, even expressed interest in the program. "It's a very attractive program," she said. Cripps told the assembled students that college debt from loans was about $26,000 on average.
"It will snowball dramatically if you don't know how to manage your money." Cochran later said a person's age is "irrelevant." "You will know more than your parents, once you watch the video," he said. The financial course is to be completed by March. Students must register for the SHSM program. The government's aim is to have students earn additional skills and training through connecting with "real world experiences," said Roy Smith, an electrician and consultant for the SHSM program for the school board. It helps the students develop "pathways" to their career goals. The SHSM students participate in innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship or math literacy training, and most of the students are involved in the technology and trades, health and wellness, and business programs. Once successfully completed, the students receive a red seal that is recognized by post-secondary institutions. Last year, Niagara College gave $1,000 credits to students earning a red seal of approval, which is an incentive for them to get involved in programs like this, Smith said. For other students who want to take the course, but are not involved in the SHSM program, they can also purchase this version online for $200. Once the student completes the course and passes the test, they can contact the Enriched Academy and receive a $100 rebate.
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Page 16
The Voice of Pelham, February 20 2019
COLUMN SIX
continued from Page 1 every available surface. Coke became the first corporate giant claiming to make the world a better place while “indiscriminately” fleecing its citizens, and asking them to believe that by drinking a can of liquid sugar they were contributing to world peace. Other companies quickly caught on. In 1984, Apple announced the arrival of the Macintosh with a Super Bowl ad in which a single hammer blow destroys the tyranny of IBM, the Soviet Union, and Orwellian oppression. An athletic blond woman runs into a huge assembly hall full of male zombies and hurls her hammer into a giant screen, where Big Brother is spewing the workers’ collective manifesto, and destroys his evil empire. Of course Wonderwoman only replaces it with another empire, but an enlightened one now with Apple core values. Some time later, the company produced a laptop ad that showed an African villager outside his hut, emailing someone in another village, and celebrating in a solo dance his connection to the Information Superhighway. The ad was soon pulled, for obvious reasons, and I suspect Apple’s marketing executives were signed-up for sensitivity training. More recently, Nike and Gillette have entered the lists, having discovered two vacant billboards on which to slap their own brands. One is racism, the other, toxic masculinity. Nike was quick to capitalize on Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to kneel for the American anthem before NFL games as a gesture of solidarity with Black Lives Matter in its struggle against police discrimination and brutality. Kaepernick’s gesture became a movement, with players refusing to kneel, or just staying in their dressing rooms while the anthem played, until the NFL issued threats and the President tweeted insults. It became, like most things now, divisive rather than inclusive. Many fans were outraged at the perceived lack of respect for the flag; others praised the players’ courage in standing up for racial equality by taking a knee. Nike filmed a punch-to-the gut commercial with Kaepernick’s voiceover, urging young black athletes to smash racial barriers the way Ser-
ena Williams can demolish a tennis racquet while scaling the heights of sporting superstardom. Reaction was again divided: Nike products oversold to a section of the demographic, while another chunk showed its displeasure by incinerating its Nike products and posting the ritual on social media. Another burning issue of the day is the MeToo movement, which has seen various executives, producers, actors and politicians brought to their knees by victimized women. Whether it’s the fault of genes or testosterone, Pandora’s Box or Original Sin, toxic masculinity has been released into the atmosphere, and Gillette has decided to do something about it. Their ad wags a finger at the congenitally ingrained male penchant for bullying and exploiting the vulnerable. It’s a soft-focus reminder to men and boys to play nice, keep their hands to themselves, and their mouths shut if they can’t say something kind. It’s a reasonable enough request. There’s absolutely nothing in the ad to make men foam at the mouth or flush their Gillettes down the crapper but that’s what many have done. After centuries of telling women to calm down and stop being hysterical, it’s men’s turn to lose their cool.
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And all because of a commercial? These are little more than ads to promote the sale of sports gear and shaving stuff. That’s not to say corporations shouldn’t get in on at least a show of making our planet better, given their history of having made it a hell of a lot worse. One thinks of Reynolds Tobacco, Dow Chemicals, Johnson and Johnson, Nestle, McDonalds, BP and others. The plastic in our oceans, pollution in the air, toxic waste in landfills, and the opioid addictions in our systems didn’t get there by themselves. So if companies now want to sell more of their products by virtue signaling why shouldn’t they? If it “raises awareness” of things one should absolutely be aware of, then what’s wrong
with that? Nothing at all, I’d suggest, so long as awareness is also raised to the fact that it’s all another kind of branding whose primary motive is profit. Let’s raise our awareness that Nike’s been running sweatshops for decades, and was as quick to reattach itself to a reformed Tiger Woods who started winning again, as it was to distance itself from him when he disgraced himself. Gillette, for its part, has been flogging male dominance in the game of cherchez la femme since the beginning of time, so can one really credit its about face in the MeToo era as anything but opportunism? Especially when we find that its eight top executives, including President, CFO and Senior VPs are all male, and only one of the remaining nine board members is a woman. Perhaps I’m being cynical and should at least give them the benefit of the doubt. Oscar Wilde once defined a cynic as someone who knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing. Time, and profit margins, both known for their insensitivity, will ultimately determine how long these feel-good campaigns last. ♦
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BUNNIES
continued from Page 9 length. Although she has never tried making thread, Jones finds it interesting. When people buy angora sweaters, they are usually woven from either Angora rabbit or goat hair, she says. Jones fancies herself a bit of an Angora expert, but not really a breeder. "I want my rabbits to stay happy and healthy," she says. The gestation period for rabbits is only 30 days, and Angora rabbits can have four to six bunnies at a time. Other breeds even multiply faster. However, overbreeding can make mothers weak, thin and scrawny in appearance. Jones separates her rabbits, so they only breed two or three times a year. Twenty rabbits is the total she's had at one time. When Jones sells a rabbit, she always tries to find it a "good home," and has shipped rabbits from coast to coast. She tries to keep track of her rabbits even after she sells them, and is available to answer questions and concerns from new owners. "If they couldn't take care of it, I would take the rabbit back," she says. Jones also has a Continental Giant rabbit, which can weigh up to 20 pounds like a small dog when fully grown at a year and a half. They can also live to be 15 years old, she says. Most rabbits are fed hay and mixed vegetables. She feeds hers special rabbit pellets. Jones occasionally attends the Canadian Pet Expo, which encourages responsible pet ownership, and showcases a menagerie of animals, including reptiles, for interested spectators and animal breeders in Toronto. This year's event will be held in Mississauga in April. Sometimes Jones attends the event, and puts
a few of her pets in their favourite wagon, and tours them around the center. She enjoys the opportunity to learn about rabbits and other animals with like-minded people. She purchased her first rabbit when she was about 13 years old from a farmer in the Kingston area, but there are not many breeders of English Angora rabbits in Ontario. Oftentimes, Jones has to travel to the U.S. to buy rabbits there, and says for the most part, the trips run smoothly. While she enjoys meeting animal lovers and sharing stories, crossing the border is can be problematic. Although she doesn't need special permits to transport rabbits into Canada, she is always stopped by immigration officials, who search her car. That's where she sometimes gets those weird, mad-as-ahatter looks. Jones believes they are often looking for other contraband. They also inspect the rabbits to ensure they're healthy, not sneezing, or carrying some type of virus or disease. The people at the border never look amused at her imports, she says, "Although I had this really nice lady once." Jones can't understand why they don't have her listed as someone who regularly transports rabbits, as she's been to the U.S. many times. The border crossing always results in delays, but she thinks it’s all worthwhile. With all the hair she cuts, Jones could be a hairdresser, but she said she is going to school next year to take health sciences and work in a laboratory. She enjoys math, science and chemistry, and said there are about 18 different vocations she can move into from that field. Consequently, Jones will be easy to spot as the only science specialist with a bunny in her backpack.
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