Summerfest's hazy numbers page 3 Baring it all in the bush page 10 Panthers under-15 take bronze page 15 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
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The man behind the meltdown CannTrust stock plummets, CEO's future uncertain, as whistleblower Nick Lalonde lets loose BY JOHN CHICK
Special to the VOICE
next week’s Voice! page. Look for results in or find it from our Facebook
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our website, Find a link to the survey on
in the coming election? or less likely to vote NDP Does this make you more all Ontarians. universal dental care for undertake to introduce she and the NDP would Queen's this June, surveyParkquestion nounced that if elected to
This week's THE VOICE POLL
and the quester himself, Harry. er Andrea Horwath anHarry and histo family Special the VOICEshopped and delivered items for the Holiday Hampers, to be distributed to Pelham families. From left, mom Julie, dad Dave, sister Evelyn, LastBY weekend, NDP Beaver lead- Harry Seppala completes his final task on the arduous road to his North Star Award. After collecting donations for Pelham Cares, QUEST SUCCESS COLIN BREZICKI
It appears clear that CannTrust’s by now widely reported non-compliance violations with Health Canada are the result of a whistle-blowing former employee. While Health Canada wouldn’t confirm this, a surprise inspection by federal regulators on June 17 uncovered 5,200 kilograms of unlicensed cannabis at CannTrust’s Fenwick facility. Two days earlier, on June 15, Fenwick resident Nick Lalonde, who worked at the Balfour Street site for almost two years, had emailed the Voice and several Health Canada employees with various allegations of infractions— including cannabis being grown in unlicensed areas. “It wasn’t licensed,” Lalonde told the Voice. “How did I know that? Because one day my manager came up to me at 7:30 at See MELTDOWN Page 12
Fenwick resident and former CannTrust employee Nick Lalonde, outside the company's Balfour Street operation last Friday.
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THE VOICE POLL RESULTS
PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket
Corrections at the top: In last week’s story about Pelham’s new Utility Sustainability Committee’s efforts to get a handle on hydro and other costs, we incorrectly stated that the Town owns 17% of Niagara Peninsula Energy. In fact, the Town owns 17% of Peninsula West Power, Inc. (PWPI), and PWPI in turn owns 25.5% of Niagara Peninsula Energy. Hattip to former Pelham councillor and current PWPI president Brian Walker for pointing out the error...Three-letter synonym for “oops”: At the bottom of last week’s crossword we said that the answers were on page 18. They were not on page 18. They were on page 14. “Doh!” This week they are also on page 14, promise...History lesson: Thanks, Dominic, for dropping off the Ogoki River info...We'll pass: By the looks of our poll results, residents aren’t keen on helping bankroll affordable housing in Pelham. Neither is Town staff. As the Voice goes to press Monday evening, a staff report will go to council at its regular meeting that does not recommend the Town grant various concessions to aid in the building of apartment buildings in Pelham. This is hardly surprising, considering the Town’s current fiscal challenges. Another approach gaining steam, and favoured by Mayor Junkin, is to make it easier to permit legal in-law apartments in existing homes, a province-endorsed measure aimed at helping keep downsizing seniors in their towns for as long as possible...New hours at the Grille: The Pelham Street Grille is dropping Saturday dinner, leaving Friday the only night with an evening meal (ad, page 17). Their prime rib and holiday turkey nights will still be on Saturdays, though, and owner Catherine Lafreniere says that private parties on the weekend are always welcome...Speaking of meat: There’s plenty to chew on in this week’s edition, from Summerfest, to North Pelham nude folks, to CannTrust. In fact, it’s starting to look like all-cannabis, all-the-time around here. Local farmer and greenhouse operator Louis Damm weighs in with a commentary (page 5), there’s the latest with the Town’s Cannabis Control Committee (page 9), and there's our main story about Nick Lalonde, the man who singlehandedly may have cost Cann Trust a few hundred million dollars in market value, not to mention its credibility. Market analysts over the weekend were quick to jump on variations of “Can’t trust CannTrust,” as they warned buyers away from the stock. Lalonde emailed the Voice with his concerns a few weeks ago, and the competitor in me is kicking myself for not making a greater effort to jump on the story more persistently. But the writer’s and Lalonde’s schedules never meshed until last week, just as the rest of the media finally got wind of Health Canada’s surprise inspection of CannTrust’s Fenwick operation—two days
Last week, in response to news that a Niagara real estate company had approached the Town of Pelham seeking financial incentives to build what it
called affordable housing, in the form of apartment units, the Voice surveyed reader opinion as to whether such concessions should be granted, and
what readers thought an "affordable" rent amount would be. 144 qualified responses were tabulated. Results appear below.
Do you feel affordable rental apartments are needed in Pelham?
Would you support an up-to five storey affordable rental apartment building in Pelham?
Would you consider $1400 per month for a 1000 sq. ft. two bedroom apartment unit affordable?
8%
12% 31%
36%
56%
42%
46%
17% 29%
23% YES NO NOT SURE
YES NO NOT SURE
Would you support Town Council fast-tracking the approvals for an affordable rental apartment building?
15%
Very affordable Somewhat affordable Somewhat not affordable Not affordable
Would you support the Town reducing fees and taxes to incentivize the construction of affordable housing, even if this meant a potential revenue loss of between $750,000 to $1 million dollars?
Analysis
8% 15%
28%
While a slight majority say that Pelham needs affordable housing, there is little support for making it happen in the form of apartment buildings, or with developer incentives. Nearly one-third of respondents say that $1400 per month rent is not affordable, while some 46% say that the figure is either very affordable or somewhat affordable. Clearest opinion comes in answer to whether the Town should offer fasttracked approval (57% say no), and financial incentives (77% say no).
77%
57% YES NO NOT SURE
YES NO NOT SURE
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ADVISORY: While safeguards are in place to eliminate multiple votes, this is a self-selected poll, meaning it has no scientific validity compared to a formal random survey undertaken by a professional polling firm.
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ANALYSIS
Making dollars and sense of Summerfest
Page 3
Images from last year's Summerfest. This year's event starts this Thursday and runs through Sunday. VOICE PHOTOS
For years, the Town of Pelham has maintained that the July party brings in millions of dollars; the economic model used is flawed, but it's the only data there is BY JOHN CHICK
Special to the VOICE
From an outside perspective, Pelham Summerfest appears to be as polarizing in some quarters as the (soon to be resurrected) arches that have physically centered the event. Residents seem either to love it or hate it. So, with another edition of Summerfest firing up this Thursday in downtown Fonthill, the Voice takes a look at the theoretical benefits— financial and otherwise —to the Town. Not surprisingly, answers vary depending on who is asked.
The money
According to the Town’s official 2018 Summerfest report, last year’s event created an economic impact of just over $3 million dollars. With a reported three-day attendance of just under 40,000 Fest-goers, that averages out to $78 spent per person. Here’s where the numbers first get fuzzy. While the Town obtains a relatively hard number of attendees from their security contractor— though some attendees tell the Voice they were counted repeatedly, whenever exiting and returning through cordons—knowing the exact dollar amount these attendees spend is less precise. Responding to a Voice survey in December 2016, nearly 250 readers said that they spent far less at that year’s Summerfest. Some 45% said they spent under $40, and 30% said they spent not a nickle. Some 66% said that their purchases were limited to food and beverage only. The remainder said they spent nothing, on anything. According to the Town’s 2018 report, 289 self-selected, on-site surveys were received last year, compiled alongside information taken from giveaway ballots and a post-event online survey. Ultimately, this information represented a large part of the economic impact data presented in the report—which is aligned with the Government of Ontario’s Tourism Regional Economic Impact Model (TREIM), the matrix used to calculate the $3 million-plus economic benefit. “What is important is the data you are starting with,” says Marion Joppe, a professor at the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management at the University of Guelph. Joppe says that this information can’t be obtained unless there is a valid way of counting “visitors”— that is, Summerfest goers who do not live in Pelham. Then “incremental spending” related to the festival must be isolated, and visitor spending
surveyed, usually by random (not self-selected) sample. The impact calculation follows automatically. “But if what you’re putting in is garbage,” says Joppe, “well, then so will be the output.” There’s no evidence to suggest that the Town is inputting garbage, but because a major component of the TREIM model is based on accommodations and overnight stays — something not really applicable in Pelham, with minimal lodgings and a backlash brewing against short-term rentals — that aspect is not counted. Ward 2 Councillor and Summerfest Chair John Wink is the first to admit this, but adds the financial impact to Pelham is still a net positive. “This is the only measurement we have for economic impact,” Wink said of the TREIM model. “If I were to poke a hole in this model, it allows for overnight stays and accommodations for Summerfest that are more or less irrelevant. But even if you were to discount the model estimate by two-thirds there would still be an economic impact in excess of a million dollars.” In short, the TREIM model is a gussied-up guesstimate. “It’s not scientific, but the assumptions they make are working assumptions,” said Brock University economic professor and St. Catharines City Councillor Joseph Kushner. “When you look at the economic impact, a lot of the multipliers are somewhat overstated. There tends to be redistribution of consumer dollars from one sector to the other. But I imagine a festival like that brings in people from the outside, and if it brings in people from the outside then the economic impact is that much greater.”
The mess
While the vast majority may not be overnight visitors, Summerfest does attract outsiders. According to Town data, some 50 percent of attendees came from outside Pelham—either from elsewhere in Niagara or points beyond—over the last three years. This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, Pelham is being exposed to people who may come back to do business. On the other, there are concerns that outsiders could have less respect for the community. However, the fear of drunken hooligans rampaging through town hasn’t really materialized yet— even if some attendees leave a mess, and tend to get louder the later the hour. “Beer bottles,” answered Joe Fournier, when asked if he’s had to
Councillor and Summerfest Committee Chair John Wink. SUPPLIED PHOTO
clean anything up after Summerfest. Fournier operates his namesake martial arts studio in a wing of the Fonthill Baptist Church at the centre of the action. “Quite often people are bringing their own bottles because you can’t buy beer bottles [at Summerfest]. So in that case it looks like an excuse for people to come down and drink.” Being in the physical combat training business also doesn’t necessarily bode well in terms of making money during a street festival. “The only disappointing part is I have classes on Saturday, usually when my parking lot is full. People totally disregard the signs that say parking is only for my clients and the church.” But if there’s one downtown business owner who says he gets no benefit from Summerfest, it’s Paul Hammond of Wheel Class, a car and motorcycle accessories retailer just south of Church Hill on Pelham Street. “The first year I did it, kids would come in and grab some high-price product, drop it and bounce it off the racks,” Hammond said. “So the last three years, when it opens, I close the doors and come back when it’s over.” Hammond used to be a member of the Pelham Business Association, and was actually involved in the conception of Summerfest after major road reconstruction affected area businesses almost a decade ago. Within a few years, he was starting a petition to get the festival moved off Pelham Street. That didn’t work. “A couple of years ago I used to get really wound-up about it, but now I just close up and take the days off,” he said. “I’d rather not be here and see what goes on.” And therein lies the sharpest double-edged sword. Businesses that provide non-hospitality services aren’t likely to see an uptick
in customers during a street party like Summerfest. In Hammond’s case, he ends up losing business. Across the street at Gelato Village, however, things predictably boom during the event. “We see a sweet spot,” says employee Crystal Davidson, who adds that it helps they have a patio to serve their Italian treats on. “It definitely makes a difference with the end-of- the-year bottom-line.” At the same time, Davidson does sympathize with Hammond. “More people benefit than lose from it, but I do feel bad for his particular circumstance.” Other businesses that have expressed frustration to the Voice in previous years—often over lack of access or parking for their customers—declined to speak on the record. Following the 2016 Summerfest, after one business threatened to go to the Voice with their complaint, the Town agreed to pay to repair damage caused to the business premises during the event.
Walk-up sales aside, John Wink points to the fact that 58 vendors paid the Town for the right to set up shop during last year’s Summerfest, exactly half of them from Pelham. He adds that the Summerfest Committee has given back $58,000 to local service clubs since the inception of the event, and are on their way to paying for the restoration of the arches themselves, along with a reserve maintenance fund. “You may recall that the Niagara Food Festival had to fold because they were $80,000 in debt,” Wink said of the now-defunct Welland event. “We ensure that this will not be the case for Summerfest.” In the end, the annual event has its supporters and its detractors. Some benefit from it, and some don’t. Despite his parking lot complaints, Fournier isn’t totally against the idea. “You’re never going to please everyone all the time,” he said. With additional reporting by Dave Burket.
Page 4
The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
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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 Awaiting the verdict—Ford's Regional review
T
HERE ARE TWO sides to every argument. And, like a coin toss, one side comes up a winner and the other is the loser. So it will be interesting to see how the Ontario government’s Regional review process might result in some winners and some losers in Niagara. This review process, which includes other areas of the province in addition to Niagara, was initiated by Premier Ford. The mandate of the local review is to examine if the current two- tier structure in Niagara is the most effective and efficient in the delivery of services to the 448,000 constituents who reside here. The two-tier system refers to the upper level, known as the Niagara Region, and each of the 12 municipalities that comprise the lower tier. This results in thirteen councils, and the election of 126 councillors to attend to the governance of this area of the province. Thirty-two at the Regional level and 94 among the 12 municipalities. It need be understood that municipalities exist at the convenience of the province. Should the govern-
ment-appointed reviewers conclude that the status quo is the optimal governance structure, then all the councillors, administrators and staff at the Regional and at each and every of the municipalities will likely get
The reviewers are not likely to recommend the status quo
to keep their jobs. So, in a way, all those people might be considered the winners if the coin toss goes their way. However, if the reviewers conclude that this area of the province is overly governed, with too many councils and councillors, then such a potential restructuring could result in there being a number of elected, administrative, and staff positions being eliminated. Premier Ford proposed
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to cut the number of city councillors in Toronto from 47 to 25—and succeeded. In fact, there are a number of scenarios the reviewers might recommend. At one end on that scale of scenarios could be that the Region become a single tier, as are other areas of the province. Norfolk County—from where our new CAO recently departed— is an example of the single tier governance model. So is Toronto. Then again, the reviewers might contend that having a Region and twelve separate communities inhibits the efficient delivery of services and suggest that through amalgamation this number be reduced to what they conclude would improve the efficiency of service delivery. The reviewers are not likely to recommend the status quo, as it appears the Premier had the underlying notion that the current governance model was inefficient and inappropriate for the delivery of services to the people in the Niagara Region. Thus, the review was initiated. It is noteworthy that some studies contend that See REVIEW next page
Letters Heartfelt thanks to Charlie the angel Last Thursday evening, my husband and I were picking up our grandsons to take them to see Spiderman in Niagara Falls. As I was going to the car, I realized the garbage had been picked up, and so I put my small purse and our movie tickets on the trunk of the car to retrieve the bins. You can guess the rest. It wasn’t until we got to the show that I realized the purse was gone, easily an hour after we left. I left the boys with my husband and raced home, hoping it had fallen off in the driveway. No such luck. I went to the neighbours beside us to see if someone found it but no one was home. I
had looked along the roadsides all the way home, so I knew it wasn’t there. Just then, my neighbour across the street came over waving a piece of paper. I asked if he had my purse. He said he did, and that a kind elderly gentleman had found it and returned it to him as I was not home. He had found it at the corner of Port Robinson Road and Pelham. He had looked in the purse for an address and had tried to return it to my home. To say the relief I felt was overwhelming is an understatement. Thankfully, the piece See ANGEL 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
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
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The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
Page 5
OPINION Penny wise, tumour foolish
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Louis Damm
Our Premier Doug Ford has decided to cut the cancer screening bus that serves Hamilton, Burlington, and Niagara. This service costs $600,000 per year—about four cents per Ontario resident. This cancellation will result in the loss of early detection of cancer and will cost orders of magnitude more later to treat those patients. Ford knows this. Some people will die. Ford knows this. So, why is he doing this? Because he is able to crow, "look at the money we're saving! You're going to pay less in taxes with me running the ship. Vote for me!" And there are people who will vote for him, if they perceive an imaginary savings in THEIR money, even if it is four cents. Look at what has become of us. David Fowler Wainfleet
Selfish Bandshell seating has to go At 2:29 PM, Thursday July 11, I just passed the Peace Park and was awed by the number of portable chairs already positioned for that night's concert. Accessibility, I believe, is on a firstcome, first- “seated” basis. So what happens when folks come later simply because they don’t have the luxury of being around during the day? This behaviour rather reminds me of the people who rush to the resort pool or beach at 6 AM to place a towel or shirt on a chair in order to secure for them-
ANGEL
continued from previous page of paper my neighbour had was my guardian angel’s phone number and address. I was able to chat with “Charlie” later that evening and told him how appreciative I was for his honesty and kindness. He had been visiting his wife at the ceme-
selves a spot for the day. Seems rather selfish to me. Perhaps these are the same people who are at the resorts. Section the area off until a suitable time prior to the event, then let those in line enter to find a good place for themselves. Let’s give everyone an equal opportunity to enjoy the show. If people want exclusive seating, perhaps a subscription series with reserved seating space could be a solution. Carol Hinton Ridgeville
tery and was walking down the hill and found the purse, which had slipped off when I turned the corner. In this world of negativity, it is so wonderful that we still have angels like Charlie to do the right thing when no one is watching. Thank you Charlie, you are a great gentleman. Laure Morrish Fonthill
The real challenge of coexisting with cannabis producers
T
HE LEGALIZATION of cannabis for both medicinal use and recreational use has certainly caught the attention of Canadians everywhere. It is truly today’s agricultural gold rush. As a farmer and supplier to the farming industry, I have the opportunity to see many different farming facilities and give advice on tools and equipment needed for various segments in the business of farming. I have a very special career that enables me to work with livestock producers and horticultural producers of all types. My days are filled with a variety of conversations —I can be talking about chickens one moment and dairy the next, then
REVIEW
continued from previous page many municipal amalgamations have not always resulted in the cost savings and other efficiencies proposed by the proponents of restructuring. According to a policy brief prepared by politi-
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Whatever changes to Niagara’s governance model might be forthcoming, it is to be hoped such a transposition will result in a win-win scenario for the people of Niagara. ♦ Larry Coté is a retired college professor. He was award a Governor General’s Medal for his community involvement.
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adopt three site production strategies. This farm enterprise was an early adapter to modern animal husbandry techniques of the day. They segmented the livestock production stages to three sites. Site #1 is a breeding and farrowing site; site #2 is weaned hogs 7kg or 3-week-old to 25kg; and site #3 is for hog finishing, where hogs are raised from 25kg to 100kg market-ready for processing. This site three stage of production produces the most smell and effluent (manure, waste). This was a major change in standard operating procedures for a hog farm of the day. This is still a standard today. This was a
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cannabis, peppers, flowers, etc. I also operate a small greenhouse business with my family where we grow specialty plants that we ship across Canada and the USA. We also have a seasonal garden center in Northern Ontario. Farming is my life. I have been blessed with many experiences. I can draw a lot of parallels as I compare one farming enterprise to the next. I can draw a parallel to cannabis as well. The basics of growing anything are the same, regardless of farm enterprise— this includes cannabis. Genetics, Nutrition, Environment, Sanitation, and Records are basic considerations for all farmers, no matter what the farming enterprise is.
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Page 6
Letters
The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
continued
It's summertime, and idiot drivers... On Thursday morning, July 4, my wife and I were heading east on Canboro Road toward Fonthill around 10 AM. At Haist Street, which is a four way stop, we stopped and the way seemed clear, so we proceeded through the intersection. Fortunately for us as I was entering the intersection, I caught sight of a dark-coloured, bluish pickup truck heading north on Haist Street. This vehicle made absolutely no attempt to slow down, let alone stop. Instinc-
DAMM
continued from previous page family farm where the patriarch of the family made the decisions. You knew who you were dealing with. Like any farm operator, hog farmers are very passionate about their segment of farming, as are farmers who produce dairy products, chicken products, fruits, vegetables, flowers and nursery stock, etc. The life of farming is a lifestyle commitment. If farmers calculated their income on a per hour basis, they would be extremely disappointed. The risks are high while returns can be low. One of the biggest challenges farmers have is that they all share the agricultural lands and space next
...are everywhere
tively, I jammed on my vehicle's brakes as this truck roared through the intersection, just missing hitting our vehicle, otherwise the offending vehicle would have broadsided our vehicle and who knows what the consequences would have been. I won’t speculate as to why this vehicle made no attempt to stop, although I could think of any number of reasons. Pelham has many streets where there are four-way stops, all for good reasons. However, some driv-
to each other. Different farm enterprises have different risks and seasonal requirements. While we have property lines and roadways as physical and visible boundaries, it is difficult to set boundaries in the air and underground. Control of particle drift in the air, and ground water leaching is a requirement for all farmers. We cannot have emissions escape in the air or underground that cause harm to our farming industry colleagues. It extremely important that the different farming enterprises coexist harmoniously in the farming space they own. There are laws that protect farmers from the environment and the environment from farmers. When conflicts arise,
ers think that “rolling stops” are also acceptable and, if the intersection is clear, then their vehicle doesn’t really need to stop. Incidentally, some bicycle riders also ignore stop signs. It is incumbent on all drivers to be considerate and alert when driving our streets. I trust that the driver of that pickup truck will likewise realize just how close they came to causing a disaster. David Ripley Ridgeville
there are special provincial boards that help farmers work out these conflicts between each other, and any other neighbours that may be involved. The majority of these conflicts are related to seasonal tasks and processes that most city people just do not understand. Dust, noise, odour and light are just a few examples. Farmers share their experiences with each other and are willing to work together. They are considerate of each other and will help each other out. The cannabis farming industry is a new breed of farmer. They are very aggressive in protecting their own ideas and processes. Unlike any other farm enterprise, most cannabis farms are corporate and
This is a message to the many who blatantly ignore the rules of the road when they turn left onto Pelham Street from Port Robinson: when your light turns green, traffic coming down hill from Brock Street has priority. Put simply, please stop cutting immediately across the path of traffic coming down Brock Street onto Port Robinson Road or turning onto Pelham Street. Graeme Lamb Fonthill
ity to urban settlements and neighbouring farms. These facilities are using standard operating procedures that actually create discomfort in a community. They implement controls for their operations without regard for any urban settlements or neighbouring farms. These cannabis farms and their management are severely impacting the quality of life everyone deserves. For our children and grandchildren, the consequences of these facility locations could be a life sentence of discomfort. The producer of any farmgate—or direct-to-consumer— product for health benefits has an obligation to keep the community in the same state as when it arrived. Do we know any of the longterm impacts of the emissions from these facilities— i.e., masking agents drifting into nearby farms and homes? Is it worth the risk? Apples, strawberries, cherries, blueberries, peppers, tomatoes, melons are healthy products. How do they create discomfort in their production process? The fact is, they don’t. Cannabis farmers, please pay attention and be considerate to your neighbours. Cannabis is a plant that contains nutraceutical compounds. Cannabis production is carving the way for production of other plant species for the medicinal industry. More plant species will be discovered and added as new discoveries are made. More natural compounds can only be bet-
publicly owned. They do not share ideas easily with each other. They consider their own processes intellectual property. This is, of course, done under the cover of strict security records and procedures set under a clever disguise written by Health Canada. This makes cannabis production a very odd business. Producers claim they are farmers and protected by the same laws of the land as any other farmer, but they have special privileges over and above from Health Canada —so they say. Looks to me that Health Canada has created a big mess! he fact is that this group of new farmers is not what I consider traditional farmers as we know them. This group is owned by publicly funded or private investors who are simply out to make a fast buck and will not stop at anything to get that buck. There are layers of management who are influencers to the decision makers. Cannabis was made legal because of claims that its natural properties bring comfort and relief to so many people suffering from chronic pain and various forms of mental illness. Many people believe in the benefit from the cannabis plant’s natural healing powers. This I can agree with and support. Our public health care system believes in this. What really bothers me is that many of these producers are using production facilities with very close proxim-
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ter. Yes, these discoveries start at the farm (or in the basement). This truly is a new farming industry that is in its infancy. We do not want any new businesses to follow the lead of cannabis farms. We do not want cannabis farms to mess up future opportunities. Every cannabis farm has a moral obligation to keep the communities it resides in comfortable and stress free. Their business existence should not impact negatively or even be noticed. When they do impact in a heavy and noticeable way, then they should be accountable and pay and continue to pay! The parallel I draw for cannabis farms compares very closely to hog farms. The larger the farm the larger the amount of emissions and effluent that are produced. Local bylaws must consider these parallels in new plans. Failing to consider these parallels would be a severe mistake and a sentence of discomfort to communities. A cannabis farm employing 500 people is equivalent to raising 12,000 finishing hogs from 25kg to 100kg. I welcome the challenge of this parallel by anyone who disagrees! Site plan agreements and minimum distance separation rules must be applied to cannabis facilities in the same way they would be for a hog facility. This is a good model to start with. The municipality of Pelham’s number one industry is farming. This is farming of all types. This includes all livestock, all fruit, all vegetables, all greenhouses. We all must abide by the Food and Farming Product and Protection Act. This is not an Act that any local legal team can change. All farmers have the courteous obligation to be good neighbours to everyone. Yes, there are seasonal inconveniences that are considered normal and protected. As members of the Cannabis Control Committee, we have the daunting task of sorting through all the possibilities for advising our council on setting bylaws and guidelines. The goal is a win-win outcome for all, including the cannabis producers and the community. In order to accomplish the right results it is going to take education and cooperation from everyone. It is also going to take a tremendous amount of time to get this done right! ♦
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Page 7
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The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
2019 Bandshell Series
ANOTHER ROUND
by JOHN PICCOLO
Motown Gold
Simple yet complicated
O
BY JIM CASSON
Special to the VOICE
Direct from Canada’s premier producer of musical tribute shows, Bill Culp Productions, Motown Gold celebrates the incredible songs and stories of the legendary record label from Detroit that launched the careers of The Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, and more. Motown Gold features outstanding live musical performances starring soulful lead vocalists Justin Bacchus and Shelley Hamilton, backed by the renowned Rudy & The Angels band.
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This audience-interactive show will have the crowd singing along, clapping their hands in rhythm and even getting up to dance to the infectious Motown groove. Song highlights include “My Girl,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “Heatwave,” Signed, Sealed, Delivered,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” “I Can’t Help Myself,” “ABC,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Ain’t No Mountain
High Enough,” and even includes the amazing duet “Endless Love.” Sponsored by Fonthill Sobeys, the show runs from 7 to 9 PM. There is no cover charge but donations are greatly appreciated to allow the the volunteer Bandshell Committee to continue to bring you great concerts each week. For more information visit www.fonthillbandshell. com
Plenty of sun in Summerfest forecast The live entertainment and grilled food won't be the only sources of heat this weekend at Pelham's ninth annual Summerfest street party, running Thursday through Sunday on Pelham Street in downtown Fonthill. Environment Canada is calling for temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s during the Thursday-Sunday event, with humidex values approaching the low 40s.
(The recent high-temperature record to beat for Saturday is 31.7, set in 2011.) Due to the large crowd, no dogs, other than service animals, are admitted to the street festival area. No outside alcohol is allowed and a wristband policy is in effect for the purchase and consumption of alcohol (ages 19+). For more information, see: www.pelhamsummerfest.ca
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P I N I O N I S generally split between whether I have the best job in the world or I’m a closet masochist. Generally those who see me in action on a regular basis have a little more sympathy for the difficulty of the profession, whereas those who don’t see some of the spasms masquerading as golf swings I walk out to greet first thing in the morning think I generally have it made. I go into every lesson with the same philosophy I’ve heard TV commentator Peter Kostis express: “Change as little as possible.” My goal is to have the student achieve. They have a far greater chance of this if I don’t try to remake their swing into something I think it should be instead of what comes most naturally. I usually try to observe a new student swinging without them knowing, to see what their swing is like. As soon as they know someone is watching they can get nervous and it takes a while to get them comfortable again. I’m generally looking for three things. First is the student comfortable. Do they look like they are
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standing at ease when in their golfing posture, or has it been manufactured by the urgings of one too many articles or “helpful” hints from a spouse or friend. “Bend the knees. Stick that butt out. Arms Straight.”
It still amazes me how uncomfortable some people are willing to make themselves It still amazes me how uncomfortable some people are willing to make themselves in order to try to play this game. After the posture, how do they generate their power? Basically how complicated is the backswing? The more things moving on the backswing, the more things that need to be corrected on the way back to the ball, generally the less consistent a swing is going to be. Lastly: Does the student stay still long enough in the downswing to deliver the power that has been generated, and do they hit at the ball or make a swing that the ball happens to get in the way of? I’ve taken to using a windmill analogy to help explain this. Your legs and body are the base of the windmill. They have to be stable and balanced, or when the blades turn the whole unit will wobble and fall over. The head is the hub of
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the windmill. If the base is solid the hub will stay in place as the blades (the arms) rotate around it. If the hub stays in place, the blades will always return to the same spot. All you have to do is set up so the ball is in the spot where the blades of the windmill return to and it will get in the way of this process. The fewer things moving the easier it is to repeat the motion. If someone has a lot of moving parts but is able to consistently repeat the motion and make solid contact, I tell them to shut up and be happy with their swing. At this point we check out the little things such as alignment, grip position, and the like. Solid contact first. Precision next. Determining depth of commitment is very important and also very difficult. Don’t load someone up with information they do not want or need, or do not have the time or desire to implement. You are setting both your student and self up for failure if you force them into changes beyond their commitment level. For the most part that is how I deal with the physical part of teaching the game. Now the mental. By far the biggest and most difficult part of teaching is understanding fear or doubt. The doubt of success. The fear of hitting the ground or not hitting the ground. The fear of failure. Any doubt or fear will cause tension or lack of commitment and this more than anything kills results. That is why so many people have great practice swings or perform better on the range than the course. The results are relatively meaningless when you have a bucketful of redemption beside you. A huge part of successful teaching is the ability to control fear and expectations. There are so many people taking lessons and so few getting better. Too much focus on the technical aspects and not enough on belief systems. Teaching someone a swing they believe will work for them regardless of its shape and size. Basically I’m an overpaid teacher or an underpaid psychologist. Often both on the same day. ♦ John Piccolo is the golf instructor and runs Piccolo’s Custom Golf Shop at Eagle Valley Golf Club in Niagara Falls. Email him at picgolf@vaxxine.com
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Everyone who's anyone reads the Voice
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The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
Page 9
As CannTrust gets burned, Cannabis Control Committee gets busy BY GLORIA J. KATCH
Special to the VOICE
Despite the previous day’s headlines regarding Health Canada’s investigation into operations at CannTrust’s Fenwick facility, not a word was uttered about the alleged violations at Wednesday’s cannabis control committee meeting. Shannon Larocque, Senior Planner of Community Planning and Development in Pelham, wasn’t too surprised the topic wasn’t discussed. “I don’t see it as a being a part of the committee. It’s not related to our task at hand.” Instead, the group pondered the tactics of gathering baseline data to measure odour, with the aim of be able to mitigate it to an acceptable level, and who was responsible for doing that. “Measuring odour is very much a solid science,” said Chair Tim Nohara, who suggested the Town hire a specialist to do take random samples, even if it were on a seasonal basis. Member Jim Steele explained random sampling had to be taken at various times, using bags filled with air, which are diluted and attached to a machine that measures its “sensitivity.” Since the odour is “continuous,” measuring CannTrust would be a “major challenge,” he said. Member Louis Damm noted the odour is controlled with greater difficulty in the food and livestock industry, so he believed it is possible to achieve with cannabis. Member Jim Jeffs said a CannTrust representative at their recent open house told him that controlling
the odour was “very expensive to do, but we have to make our shareholders happy—so that’s it.” Nohara said it was up to the committee to use the legislation that was already in place to enforce regulations, but data or evidence needed to be compiled to make CannTrust accountable for its odour emissions. Once the Town has this information, “the problem goes away,” he said. The committee appeared to treat the odour as a singular odour problem and issue, while Larocque doesn’t believe solving the problem will be that simple. She told the committee that the province sets the standards, and many of the standards have not been established yet, because they would likely vary according to the many different strains of marijuana. Different types of marijuana generate different smells, levels and sensitivity. Larocque told the Voice that while she is not a marijuana expert, usually odour pollution is established by “so many parts per million,” but without having the levels established by the government, it’s difficult to determine if a company is breaching any regulations. Health Canada would be responsible for shutting down or suspending CannTrust’s operations, she added. Larocque believes it could take the government five years before it has tested all the various strains, and gets standards in place. However, if the committee decides to
While the metaphor may yet prove true, CannTrust only appears to be going up in flames in this reader-submitted cellphone photo from last December. Low cloud or fog often makes particularly evident the use of artificial grow lights at the industrial cannabis grow operation in Fenwick. SUPPLIED PHOTO follow their noses, and hire an air quality control specialist, Larocque said it would have to be approved by council as it involves a cost factor and planning. In the meantime, she said council wants the committee to develop a nuisance bylaw to assist with mitigating odour pollution, which she thought was a formidable goal, given the committee’s time frame. Barb Wiens, Director of Planning and Development, circulat-
ed a draft copy of an official plan, which could be written to include guidelines on marijuana growops. The committee decided to study it, and add it to the next meeting’s agenda in two weeks. The committee is also looking at zoning bylaws related to odour and light, said Larocque. Steele and committee member John Langendoen expressed concern about which step or document would result in enforcement. The topic of
relegating marijuana to non-agricultural, and mainly industrial areas was aired again. Damm said some marijuana production facilities were “fighting back” on these types of bylaws, because they want the tax credits and “priviledges of agriculture.” Nohara asserted that according to a national farming protection act, marijuana is not considered an agricultural product. David Cribbs, the Town’s new Chief Administrative Officer, noted that relegating marijuana to industrial areas requires council action, which is why different municipalities vary on this. Cribbs and the committee were also responding to research from Wiens regarding other municipalities and how they regulated marijuana facilities. Larocque said the committee has to have input in three areas to help enforce marijuana in the future: the official plan, zoning bylaws, and site plan agreements, the latter being a contract. “The zoning bylaw gives us the ability to charge them. The site plan is like a contract, which is very specific, outlining where facilities are located, lot coverage, distance allowances, and it’s very detailed,” explained Larocque. When the site plan agreement is made, fees are levied, which allows the Town to complete any work that is required if it isn’t done, or legally pursue a company in court. “The enforcement ability comes through the zoning and the site plan agreement,” points out Larocque. Member Jim Jeffs, responsible for researching traffic control, said experts on the subject indicate that Foss Road did not have the shoulder width capacity to handle the traffic and particularly large transportation trucks at See COMMITTEE Page 14
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The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
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Pelham's Sun Valley Gardens—the place to b Once-famous nudist resort attracted hundreds in its heyday; now only wildlife and ghosts roam the grounds, as nature reclaims decaying site on Roland Road
A
S PELHAM OLD-TIMERS will remember—but newcomers may be surprised to learn— Pelham was home to one of the first nudist resorts in Canada, Sun Valley Gardens, a 25-acre spread in North Pelham that operated from 1954 to 1982. Karl Ruehle, its founder, made it his mission to promote nudism as a lifestyle. When he opened Sun Valley, there were only 18 members, but that grew to 300 within a few years. According to the book, “Au Naturel: The History of Nudism in Canada,” this rapid growth “stemmed from Ruehle’s active, indeed aggressive publicity campaign. He distributed press releases, bought paid advertising, and appeared on talk shows and TV programs such as the Claim to Fame show on CHCH Hamilton, where he won a wristwatch because no one guessed that there was a nudist camp proprietor in darkest Ontario.” In 1961, famed journalist June Callwood from CBC-TV’s news program Close-up, interviewed Ruehle on his experiences and principles of
BY GLORIA J. KATCH
Special to the VOICE
living a clothes-free lifestyle, which at that time included a no-alcohol policy on the premises. (A link to the interview is included in the online version of this story) In fact, according to Au Naturel, while Ruehle’s annual open houses generated wide media attention, his customer service skills were sorely lacking. “Members and visitors alike regarded Ruehle as autocratic and tight-fisted. He objected when people moved camp furniture, even if only to place a chair or picnic table in the shade. He interrupted games and competitions if they lasted longer than his schedule allowed. He closely monitored new couples in their tents. Many saw him as a ‘boot stomping Prussian.’” As competing clubs were established, by the 1970s Ruehle relaxed some of his rules and allowed more singles in the resort, which included a health club, communal bathing and massage, as well as dances and parties. A kidney-shaped pool, built
in 1956, was a longstanding centrepiece. Even though the resort’s entertainment was turned up a notch, his membership dwindled. By 1974, the 20th anniversary of its founding, only one original member remained. Ruehle shut the resort in 1982. The acreage has passed through various owners, however, and remains intact at the western end of Roland Road, where it dead-ends past Maple Street. Over 35-plus years, nature has gone a long way to reclaim the site. Derelict structures in various states of decay crumble quietly among lush foliage in the summer, as mosquitoes in their thousands enjoy abandoned, algae-layered water features. Google satellite imagery taken a year ago this month suggests that little has changed since 2013, when the colour photos accompanying this article were taken. ne misconception about nudism is that it started by the hippie generation, or “Age of Aquarius,” in the 1960s. In fact, this textile-free movement started in Europe after the Industrial Rev-
O
Above, local onlookers outside the resort's entrance, 1964. Right, Karl Ruehle, 1961. Top right, the central pool feature, 1962. BARE OAKS ARCHIVAL PHOTOS olution and grew in popularity after World War II. In reaction to the rigid authoritarianism of right-wing fascism, many in Germany began shedding their clothes in public parks and beaches. This subculture spread throughout Europe, where nude bathing became legal in many
areas, and is still in vogue today. Naturally, tropical climates always attracted hordes of sun-worshippers basking sans swimsuits. Nude activities for health enthusiasts, such as beach volleyball, calisthenics and swimming, were all a part of the enjoyment. While
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The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
Page 11
In August 2013, with the permission of the property owner, Voice publisher Dave Burket and former Pelham Library Public Services Coordinator Elaine Anderson toured the former SVG grounds. Anderson had helped find information for a prospective feature article about the resort's history. They found the site overgrown, as amply illustrated in Anderson's colour photos on this page. Of particular note was the original kidney-shaped pool, far left, still watertight. ELAINE ANDERSON PHOTOS
bare it all
this movement underwent a slight transformation in the West, it is slowly being accepted today in certain areas, with time. Improved sex-education classes are the best way to create a society that’s more liberal and accepting of a healthy body image and a nudist lifestyle, suggests Graham, who is on a first-name basis for confidentiality, which is one of the strict rules of Lilly Valley Resort, of Fort Erie. It’s one of a handful of clothing-optional clubs in Southern Ontario, and was itself founded by a former Sun Valley Gardens member in the early 1970s. According to Graham, many of Lilly Valley’s customers tend to be middle-aged couples from Niagara. “They come here to relax,” he
said, as no loud music or parties are allowed. The rules of this non-profit organization don’t attract many singles or youths to the 1.5 acre site. The secluded setting provides for a great deal of intimacy, despite its neighbouring highway access. The location is largely unnoticeable, and as Graham describes it, “under the radar,” from most people in the community. There are no gate crashers, pranksters or peeping toms, and, in general, the surrounding community has left them alone. While many are comfortable with nudism, there is still the understanding that it is not acceptable to the public at large, so Lily Valley operates with confidentiality at its forefront. “Everyone here is on a first-name basis. If people want to volunteer any more information, it’s up to them, but you don’t ask questions,” said Graham. There have been a few visitors in high-level positions, he said, so maintaining privacy is understood. It’s common for Europeans to travel to clothing-optional resorts, noted Graham. In the recent past, there were many visitors to Lilly Valley from the U.S., but that has changed since border crossings became more tedious and strict. Graham also cites two new nature resorts that have sprung up in Buffalo and Rochester, more convenient to Americans. In the U.S., Graham points out that Texas, Florida and
California have embraced nudist resorts in large numbers. Graham was introduced to nudism in the 1960s, when the counterculture began to resist the exploitation of perfect body images for advertising purposes, which in turn led to unrealistic personal expectations. Graham admits nudism requires a healthy body image— and a lack of self-consciousness. “It’s often a lot harder for women,” said Graham, adding, “There are no Playboy bunnies here.” The honest realism means there are no social barriers or masks. The idea begs the question: What would a pickup line be at a nudist club? Graham smiles and replies,“What you see, is what you get.” However, he added that he wouldn’t want to be involved in a dating service at a nudist club. While there are dating sites exclusively for nudists, those usually exist in big cities. Given its prohibition against parties and loud music, Lilly Valley doesn’t attract a singles crowd. Nudist resorts command different social norms and principles from clothed societies, so sexual jokes and innuendos, and wandering eyes or hands, are not acceptable behaviour. “There is a lot of eye contact,” notes Graham, which is why many people are comfortable interacting while being nude. Despite moder-
We all come with the same body parts, just different sizes and shapes
nity, Graham notes there is a conservative puritan element that exists in parts of Canada and the U.S. that negatively perceives nudism as being a type of perversion. An Ontario Supreme Court ruling in 1996 allowing women to be topless in a public place has not had much of an effect on the nudist movement here, remarked Graham. As it stands, some women are still getting flack for breastfeeding in public, which is also legal. Peter, another member at Lilly Valley, said he went to Jamaica in 1980, when he was 30 years old. His wife returned from the beach, and said, “You’re going to think you died and went to heaven.” Peter has frequented nudist vacations spots on “nakations” ever since. The idea of being able to pack everything for a week in just a carry-on is a dream. While saving on clothes, laundry and luggage may sound ideal, nudists cruises and vacation destinations usually cost twice as much as the dressed-up versions, he said.
Graham simply enjoys the feeling of sun on his skin. He believes people are more relaxed and stress-free when nude, and even look healthier with a tan. “Everyone looks so white to me,” he remarked. Also, nudists don’t worry any more about skin cancer than clothed people. “It’s all common sense. It’s no different for construction workers, or any other people who constantly work in the sun,” he said. “Everything in moderation.” Bernie, who was born in Winnipeg and is of Polish descent, said, “I’ve been running around in my birthday suit for 60 years.” It started as skinny-dipping as a kid, and that extended to “dares and watch me” as a teenager and into his adult years. Inarguably, Bernie has his inner child intact. “We all come with the same parts, just different sizes and shapes,” he said. With additional reporting by Dave Burket
Page 12
The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
Mature cannabis buds drying on racks in a climate-controlled drying room at CannTrust's Fenwick production facility, in June. With already approved expansion plans to essentially double their Balfour Street location's output by the end of 2020, CannTrust was on track to produce some $1 billion dollars worth of cannabis per year before their current difficulties. DAVE BURKET PHOTO
MELTDOWN
continued from Page 1 night and said, ‘Nick, we’re going to be hanging poly wall, we’re going to hang all the poly walls up to hide the plants … we just need to take some pictures.’” Lalonde, 28, who said he quit his job at CannTrust in May, explained that Health Canada often simply relies on photographs supplied by cannabis growers to ensure that they are playing by the rules. “I kind of figured that
was strange, and that was the kind of beginning of the end for me,” Lalonde added. “I’m not into criminal stuff. We were literally hanging up poly walls to hide thousands of plants from Health Canada so we could snap a picture and then send that to them.” Health Canada subsequently put a sales freeze on the unlicensed product, while CannTrust itself has since voluntarily put a hold on another 7,500 kilograms of dried cannabis. The combined 13,000 kilograms of pot constitutes the major-
ity of the company’s current inventory, and by the Voice’s calculations is valued at approximately $110 million dollars. On Thursday, the company said that it was suspending all sales of its cannabis products, and that its board of directors would conduct an investigation into the allegations of wrongdoing. The ensuing reaction has been negative for Cann Trust, to put it mildly. The company’s stock price plummeted almost 50 percent last week, closing at an all-time low of $3.34 per
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Bloomberg reported that Heath Canada cited CannTrust 15 times for “major or critical observations” from 2015 to 2018. Certain CannTrust products were withdrawn from sale by Ontario and Alberta regulators, and CannTrust’s Danish partner quarantined affected shipments, leading to concerns of a cannabis shortage in Denmark. By Friday, the company was in full damage-control mode. “As CannTrust voluntarily disclosed earlier this week, we are conducting a full internal investigation and preparing a report to the regulator, including mitigating factors,” an unnamed spokesperson said in a release provided by Strategic Objectives, the Vaughan-based company’s public relations firm. The statement did not answer Voice questions about Lalonde’s claims. “We owe our full response to Health Canada regarding specific details and responsibility. That is the road back to compliance. Until that time we are unable to comment on specific details or the actions of current or former employees.” In late May, after Lalonde posted messages online which were critical of the company, he received a letter on CannTrust letterhead threatening him with legal action for libel. “The post are defamatory in nature,” the letter read in part, “and create the impression that Cann Trust has made misrepresentations to employees, customer, shareholders, and regulators. The posts are derogatory and present CannTrust as dishonest….” The company did not respond to repeated Voice requests to confirm the let-
ter’s authenticity. Lalonde also asserts that CannTrust cut corners in terms of disposal when he was there. As a former specialist in the destruction of unused cannabis, he said that regulations require the product be mixed with cat litter and water before being disposed of. Instead, Lalonde asserts, the company simply used cheaper screenings—the type of small gravel seen in patio construction. “Kitty litter is about $1,500 to $2,000 a month, and you must add a cup of water for each cup of kitty litter … that destroys the odor. Instead, they’re buying screenings at like $17 a yard.” Lalonde provided screen-captures from his phone that he asserted proved that the gravel was ordered in bulk. The Voice has not independently verified that the orders were made or delivered. The Voice asked Health Canada if it is normal to require only a company-supplied photograph to be submitted for compliance checks. Maryse Durette, a Senior Media Relations Advisor at Health Canada, alluded to these as “evidence packages.” “[Producers] must submit evidence packages to demonstrate to the department that they have a complete facility or expansion that meets the regulatory requirements, including physical security, record keeping and product-quality requirements,” Durette said. “This evidence is verified through on-site inspections which can occur at any time.” Lalonde maintains that the procedures are lax. “They do come by for audits, but it’s a joke,” he said. “They’re just asking me all these questions, and I’m answering them, and they believe everything I said.” Regardless, Lalonde said that Health Canada should have access to all of CannTrust’s security video. “The cameras in the facility, they’re recording 24-7. And those recordings go to two servers—they go to CannTrust and Health Canada servers,” he said. “I told Health Canada to check the cameras.” Asked why he decided to come forward, Lalonde said that his main motivation was to “show the country and the world that you shouldn’t be scared to stand up for what’s right. And for all the amazing employees that CannTrust lied to and made do illegal activities, risking their future for minimum wage.” With additional reporting by Dave Burket
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The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
Page 13
YOU’VE HEARD THE STORIES, NOW HOW ABOUT
THE FACTS
The government’s first year has been a tremendous success for the people of Niagara West. They have completed over 250 initiatives, including a record 20 pieces of legislation passed into law. Their focus is on respecting the taxpayer and as the budget title states: “Protecting What Matters Most” –our world-class healthcare and education systems. You’ve heard the stories, now please take a moment to read up on the facts.
HEALTHCARE The healthcare budget for this year is increasing by $1.3 billion. Here at home the budget includes the planning grant for the construction of the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Grimsby and additional rehabilitation beds for Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. Catharines. In addition, to provide more appropriate care to patients with complex health conditions, the 2019 Budget announced the locations of 1,157 new long-term care beds, 60 of which are proposed to go to Royal Rose Place in Welland. The government is committed to ending hallway healthcare and supporting those struggling with mental health and addictions. They are supporting some of the most vulnerable in Ontario by providing free dental care to low income seniors, soon to be offered at the Public Health Unit.
EDUCATION The government is protecting what matters most by delivering an education system that puts student achievement at the centre of everything we do. That is why they are investing $700 million more in education this year, and are investing a landmark $1.6 billion to make sure not a single teacher will lose their job as a result of changes to class-size or e-learning. In addition, the government is increasing funding for transportation to over $1 billion, increasing funding for our students with special needs by over $90 million to a total of $3.1 billion, and investing $1.4 billion in school renewal programs. The District School Board of Niagara will receive over $438 million, where special education increases to nearly $56 million, and transportation funding increases to nearly $20 million. In addition, the government is providing nearly $8 million for a language grant to help ensure students are able to access French language programming.
The government has delivered the largest tax credit for low-income Ontarians in history, with the introduction of the Low Income Individuals and Family Tax credit. They gave parents choice and flexibility in their child care, covering up to 75% of their costs with the new Childcare Access and Relief from Expenses tax credit. They have saved families $260 a year. In addition, they cut gas prices by 4.3 cents/litre, by scrapping the job-killing cap-and-trade carbon tax. They also introduced an unprecedented 10% reduction in college and university tuition fees.
BUSINESS Ontario has announced they are looking for business opportunities. They have cut red tape and stifling regulations that were crippling job creation, and helped businesses make investments with the Ontario Job Creation Investment Incentive. As a result, the business community has responded by creating over 190,000 net new jobs in the last year.
SOCIAL SERVICES The government’s plan is focused on helping the most vulnerable in our society and protecting the vital public services we rely on. They’re moving 23,000 children off the autism waitlist and investing an additional $300 million to provide families with more resources. Further, they are breaking down the barriers to employment by reforming social assistance, to restore dignity, reduce administrative red tape, and empower recipients to enter and remain in the labour market. Niagara West has contributed significantly to the new Autism Advisory Panel, where many constituents shared their feedback. We look forward to reviewing their recommendations to build a fairer system. The federal and provincial governments are also investing over $14.4 million to create 127 more affordable housing units through the CanadaOntario Investment in Affordable Housing agreement. Of the 127 units, St. Catharines received 85 one and two-bedroom units. The government is committing over $1 Billion in Community Housing, with an eye to make housing safer, more efficient, and sustainable to help people who need it most.
ENVIRONMENT
The Niagara Catholic District School Board will receive over $243 million, where special education increases to nearly $30 million, and transportation funding increases to nearly $11 million. Close to $5 million will be allotted as a language grant.
The government is taking action to protect Ontario’s environment as well as its citizens and businesses. To tackle climate change, they released their Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan, focused on protecting Ontario’s air, land, and water resources, reducing litter and waste, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions without imposing a job-killing carbon tax.
The government will continue to work with all school boards to ensure they are making the most responsible and accurate decisions during this process. The government has funded attrition protection at 105% designed to ensure school boards can continue to offer specialized courses that require specialized teachers and/or smaller class sizes.
Instead of the federal carbon tax, the Province would create a $400 million emissions reduction fund. This fund would make it easier for the private sector to implement its best projects and ideas to drive emissions reductions at the lowest cost to taxpayers.
To assist school boards, the government has also announced a Board Modernization Task Force to find efficiencies within school boards to ensure every dollar spent directly improves learning in the classroom.
TAXES This government has stated that they are putting more money in your pocket. Budget 2019 protects what matters most and brings real relief to individuals and families, with no new tax increases over the next 5 years. None.
SAM OOSTERHOFF MPP - Niagara West
4961 King St. E, Unit M1 • Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 T: 905-563-1755 TF: 1-800-665-3697 Email: sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org
“I hope this helps illustrate the facts about the changes the government is making. As always, you are encouraged to contact my office for any assistance you may require.”
Page 14
The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Panthers third in province Depth played role in on-court success BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI
BPSPORTSNIAGARA.CA
A large turnover in its roster didn’t prevent the Pelham Panthers under-15 boys basketball team from winning a bronze medal at the Ontario Basketball Association championships. “This was a team that began the season with five new players and it was amazing to see how quickly they came together,” assistant coach Darren Williams said. “Throughout the season, the boys bonded and grew together through both court time and team-building events planned by head coach Mike [Hurley].” Williams was impressed with how supportive the players were of each other on and off the court. “It was great to see the way they would communicate and you could see they generally wanted to support each other and work towards one goal — to win as a team,” he said. “While we fell just short of our goal of winning the provincial championships, the boys did come home with something just as valuable: friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Pelham had an overall record of 23-8, including finishing in third place in the OBLX League with a record of 9-6. The Panthers were 2-0 in exhibition play and 9-0 in tournaments in winning the Chris Paulin Ottawa Tournament and the annual Pelham Panthers home tournament. “All 10 players are very skilled offensively and defensively,” assistant coach Rob Minor said. “The guards possess a lot of agility and quickness, can drive to the basket, and can shoot from outside. The forwards have strength and size to play in the key and have versatility to play on the outside when needed.” Minor felt one of the team’s biggest strengths was its depth. “The team has a no-quit attitude and with the depth of the team, could play at a fast pace with quick rotations.” Assistant coach Jamie Asma felt the turning point in the season was how the team was able to battle through injuries in OBLX League play. “It did allow for some extra
playing time for some developing players and the experience ended up making the team stronger,” Asthma said. “Having everyone healthy helped us turn the corner and our team was playing at a very high level. “We were lucky to enter into provincials at full strength, playing our best basketball at the right time. Our developing players had renewed confidence and our strongest players healthy for
the season finale.” The Panthers went 3-2 at the provincials championships to mine the bronze medal. “A season is like a roller coaster, and a tournament, especially a provincial championship tournament, with the eight best teams in Ontario, is no different with its ups and downs, twists and turns with the occasional upside down loop to loop,” Hurley said. “The boys
fought through adversity all year, supported each other during the ups and downs, picked each other up off the floor and cheered one another on during the twists and turns and all players at different times stepped up when we needed them most.” Every time the Panthers were challenged at the provincials, they came back with an answer, with more fight, with more energy and more togetherness.
“That was a testament to the year and during the pinnacle of our season,” Hurley said. Members of the team were Adam Kleinsmith, Alex Lafferty, Carter Williams, Jacob McLeod, Josh Larochelle, Josh Matthews, L.J. Newton, Luke Klassen, Noah Minor and T.J. Hurley. The team was managed by Andrea Hurley and Kelly Minor.
COMMITTEE
Wiens about Foss Road’s carrying capacity. Wiens replied that the Town or the Region, depending on who owns the
road and the type of road, generally considers factors such as anticipated deliveries, additional turning lanes, and other require-
ments according to Ministry of Transportation standards. Jeffs noted that sight lines don’t appear to meet the guidelines by ex-
perts. He added that speed was also a problem, especially in rural areas. Jeffs asked if traffic monitoring could be a condition of the site plan approval? Wiens replied when traffic monitoring was previously conducted around marijuana facilities, it was only completed for that immediate area, and not for the entire road. Langendoen acknowledged the heavy traffic on
Balfour Street, and noted if RedeCan were situated anywhere but Foss Road, the traffic would be a safety hazard. “Local roads are not good for industry,” insisted Jeffs. Wiens said the Town was required to meet industry design standards, but she was uncertain about all the specification “off the top of my head,” and would check for him.
continued from Page 9 the RedeCan cannabis production facility. He asked
The Pelham Panthers under-15 boys basketball team.
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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 (United Church of Canada) 461 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church 834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
Page 16
The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
COMMUNITY EVENTS & CLASSIFIEDS
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TOWN COUNCIL
BY JOHN CHICK
Special to the VOICE
“In our respectful opinion, this is inappropriate and discriminatory,” Mayor Marvin Junkin read from the letter. “Cultivation of marijuana is an agricultural use … there is no indication whatsoever that the municipality through its staff or consultant has considered impacts of equally active vegetable, landscape greenhouse operations or livestock operations.” However, under the new bylaw, CannTrust and other pot growers will not pay development charges now for facilities already built— only those put into such use after passage of the bylaw. “Any farm building that is used to grow cannabis would be subject to a development charge after [the bylaw],” Director of Planning and Development Barb Wiens told council. She clarified that under the proposed bylaw, industrial concerns could expand up to 50 percent of their physical size without a development charge, but that cannabis would still be technically be considered agricultural—albeit a special case thereof. The bylaw will come to a vote on September 3. The other major component of the development charges outlined by Tan was future levies on real
Attention!
ROUTE 5 - Blackwood, CherPELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP ry, Pancake, Valiant Haist-78 Make six cards with fall themes, learning a varietyGreat of techniques. Materials for students, children, homes; ROUTE 40 - Vineare provided. At time of registration, please tools needed. adults, about seniors, and everyone mount, Canboro twnhms, Haistenquire Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead. Visit www.pelhamwho likes fresh air and exercise. St, Haist Crt-94 homes; library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. ROUTE 3 - Berkhout, estate developers. For exBerkwood, Dogwood, North side of Deverardo, Trillium, Magnolia, ample, the continued cost Haist-86 homes; LIONS FISHROUTE FRY33 - Saddler, Tanner, Homestead, Mason, of theFABULOUS MCC will be FENWICK passed Wilson Crossing, Cooper – 160 homes along to builders in the Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the community. Haddock,
Bylaw proposal would see cannabis growers pay new charges Details of a new development charge bylaw was heard during a special meeting of Pelham Town Council on July 8, and licensed cannabis producers appear square in the tax collector’s sights. While the discussion did not include the bigger issue of ultimately rezoning the burgeoning marijuana business as industrial from agricultural, the new development charge bylaw would collect from any producer planning to build or expand their grow-ops in Pelham. The new bylaw would classify cannabis production as its own form of agriculture, meaning “a building used, designed or intended for growth, producing, processing, testing, destroying, storing or distribution, excluding retail sales, of medical marijuana or cannabis authorized by a license issued by the federal Minister of Health.” Byron Tan, a senior consultant at Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., provided the report to council under a mandatory aspect of Ontario’s Development Charges Act (DCA). While few questions came Tan’s way, council did read aloud correspondence by solicitors from embattled local cannabis producer CannTrust, objecting to the idea of facing future development charges.
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COMMUNITY Events
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form of $1,184 for each new fries home and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. singlefrench detached in Pelham. At the same time, in conjunction with OntarPELHAM MINOR HOCKEY EQUIPMENT SALE io’s Bill 108 — which prioritizes affordable housing Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide and increased population cheaper for players in this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from density — a options homeowner could9-12 add up to two apartin the morning. ments in their structure and not pay a development Putting on an event? charge, as long asMUDFEST the origiPELHAM TELL THE TOWN! nal structure does not more Men and women will be back in the mud as the second run on the year is than double in size. Community Event Classified ads are available in blocks This prompted concern held at Bissil’s Hideaway. of 30 words for $10 incl. HST. from Ward 2 Councillor Ron Ad booking and payment deadline OCNA Network Classifi ed Adsis Thursday Noon Kore, who has previously prior to week of publication. Payment may be made over NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION expressed reservations at (AD CENTRAL) the prospect of secondary the phone by credit card, or in person at our office by It Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. dwellings such as basement cash or check. of Fairgrounds. runs from Sept. 11-14 at theWeek Welland apartments popping up around Pelham. July 15Thanks for supporting your Voice! office@thevoiceofpelham.ca Wiens told him that only Also see News vs. Promotion: www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/promotion BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE certain parts of Pelham are Posted zonedThe for such abodes, and Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept. July 11 that those zoning bylaws Proceeds the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the Walker Famwould7.still apply tofor anyone wishing to create Centre. additional ily Cancer Central housing on their property. CUSTOM MILL Region Ads included Kore subsequently asked Portable sawmill service. WiensWALKING to provide CLUB him with I will come to your home or farm and custom mill your logs. a map of such zoned areas Interested in walking themalso Tuesdays Pelham Arena FirewoodJoin & lumber available. at Callthe Rob Patterson, in Pelham. She agreed to do in Pelham? This ad is to be printed by all participating Ontario 905-401-4948, so. from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There riverwood@primus.ca The short meeting ended is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ with Ward 3 Councillor Lisa Haunpelham.ca officially or introduccall 905 892-2607, ext 329. ing new Town CAO David Cribbs to council. Cribbs, HAMPER who didn’t speak DAY duringFOR the PELHAM CARES public portion of the meetPurchase fresh fruit and vegetables at the Market or bring a non-perishable ing, received a round of apfood item to fill the hampers at the Pelham Farmers Market on Sept. 4. plause.
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The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
Page 17
Jenna and Winnie aim high Fonthill teen a barrel racing champion BY BERNIE PUCHALSKI
BPSPORTSNIAGARA.CA
Jenna Mergl has been around horses her entire life. The Grade 10 student at E. L. Crossley was on a horse by the time she was three years old, and started riding horses by herself when she was six. Her father, Brent Mergl, also a rider, began taking her to local saddle club horse shows, and she tried a number of disciplines before deciding to focus on barrel racing. Barrel racing is a rodeo event which combines a horse’s athletic ability and the rider’s ability to safely and successfully maneuver a horse in a pattern around three barrels placed in a triangle. “I like the speed of it and it’s timed,” the 15-year-old Fonthill resident said. “You are not being judged by judges.” There are no secrets to success in the sport. “You need a fast horse and you need to train every day,” Jenna said. Doing just that has resulted in impressive performances as she competes every weekend across Ontario. In her fi rst year competing in the Ontario Barrel Racing Association (OBRA) and National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA), she captured rookie of the year honours. Two years later, Jenna was crowned the 2018 OBRA Youth Champion and 2018 Re-
serve Youth Champion for NBHA. But Mergl didn’t stop there. Taking part in the All-American Quarter Horse Congress in Columbus, Ohio, she won her class and became a Congress Champion in 2018. Her strong season earned her the Community in Sport Award at the E. L. Crossley’s athletic banquet. In 2019, Jenna has taken up where she left off last season. She presently sits in the top two in the under-18 division on the OBRA circuit, and is also performing well in the open division. At a recent open event competing against some 200 riders, she placed seventh. One of the competitors was the winner at the Calgary Stampede two years ago, and Mergl fi nished only half a second behind her. “She is a quiet rider who possesses a very calm and gentle hand with all the horses,” Brent Mergl said. “We are so proud of her hard work and dedication to her passion.” Jenna’s partner in competition is her horse Winnie, or Win for short. She started riding Winnie a year and a half ago. “If you have a special bond with your horse, she will try harder for you,” Jenna said. “We have a bond together and we try really hard together.” That bond continues to devel-
Jenna Mergyl, 15, with her competition partner, Winnie.
op. “You have to spend time with her, brushing her, petting her and stuff like that.” Jenna plans on making a return trip to the All-American Quarter Horse Congress. “Now that I am 18 and under,
BERNIE PUCHALSKI PHOTO
I want to see how I am going to do,” she said. “I want to have faster times and hopefully get in the top five again.” Down the road, she has even loftier ambitions. “My far-ahead goal is to go to the Calgary Stampede and to
start doing rodeos,” she said. “I have to go to rodeos and start qualifying for the bigger rodeos.” She is thankful for her parents’ support of her passion. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have them.”
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Page 18
The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
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A Little Book About Us
O
UR CHILDHOOD DEFINES OUR personalit y. It shapes who we become. When Vilma Moretti had grandchildren, she realized that her childhood and theirs were worlds apart. They had absolutely no idea what life was like for Vilma when she was their age. Theirs was a world of computers, iPods, cellphones, texting, Instagram, and YouTube. Vilma thought that when they were grown they might be interested to know what it was like for other generations to grow up. She started collecting recollections—her own, and those of some of the many people she met every day while running Keith’s Restaurant, her family’s business at the intersection of Pelham Street and Highway 20, in Fonthill. The result was, “A Little Book About Us,” published in 2009, from which this series is excerpted. Keith’s is gone, but the stories remain.
Jack
Born 1924 North Pelham Our houses were not insulated. You could see the moon through the cracks in the walls. You would wake in the morning to see a snow drift on your bed. We had no plumbing or electric. We had coal oil lamps and a coal oil stove. Also a cook stove and a Quebec heater. We did all the cooking on the cook stove. Mother baked bread for all the family. The stove was a wood stove. It had a reservoir on the end of it. It kept hot water all the time. We had to pump water into a pail and carry it in the house. We sometimes argued who was to get the water. Mother would fill a tub with warm water so she could bathe us kids. It was Saturday night bath. As there was no plumbing, we had an outhouse, or, as it was known, the privy. It had two holes, or a deluxe model had three holes. The toilet sat over a hole in the ground. When it was full, you dug another hole and moved the toilet over it. Make sure you
moved it forward! Mother also went with Dr. Dowd to help him deliver babies. One family had no diapers for baby. Mother made diapers from a sheet and gave them to the mother of the baby. We grew our own vegetables and apples. At harvest time we stored the vegetables and apples in the cellar for the winter. We had our own hens and eggs and a few turkeys. We had two Jersey cows. We had lots of milk. We also had a cream separator. You poured milk in the top and turned the crank. Cream came out one spout and the skim milk the other spout. Cream was saved until you had enough to make butter. Once the butter was churned and cleaned out of the churn, you had buttermilk—very delicious. My dad was milking cows while my cousin from the city was here. Dad asked him if this was how he got his milk and he said “No, we get it from a bottle.” Every fall we would buy a bag of flour and sugar and dad also butchered two large pigs. We cured most of the meat in the smokehouse. Horses were plentiful. We
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used the horse and buggy to get around. People were proud of their horses and would sometimes see who had the fastest horse. We also had a cutter—a sleigh with runners that would sit two people. It would upset very easily. You would push it back up on the runners and go on. Dad had storm lanterns, which he used in the barn. It was called a storm lantern as the wind could not blow it out.
OBITUARY THOMPSON, Priscilla Ilene Priscilla Ilene Thompson in her 74th year passed away July 8, 2019. After a recent diagnosis of APL Leukemia Priscilla passed away suddenly but peacefully from complications. Survived by loving Husband Harvey Thompson, Daughters Wendy (John) Legault, Nancy (David) Perkins, Grandchildren Jonnelle, Brianne (Paul), Sister Debi (David) Robins, Brother Terry (Donna) Moore. Predeceased by both parents Kenneth & Ruby Moore. Priscilla worked at A.E. Howey Jewellers in Fonthill for 25 years. At Priscilla’s request, cremation has already taken place and no funeral service will be held. A private gathering will be held by family at a later date.
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RPARYS PHOTO
We had a cutting box. You put cornstalks in the box, raised the knife up, pushed the corn in and pulled the knife down to cut the corn into four-inch pieces. That was hard work. The corn was fed to the cows. We made our own fun and games. In the evening we played cards. We would always try to con a brother to go down cellar for some apples. We ate apples and played cards by lantern light. We walked to school about a mile. There were no buses back then. We did not start school until we were six years old. Our parents and older brothers taught us at home until then. Most games at school were close to the wall with marbles and allies. I was good at that game. My desk in school was full of allies and marbles. The teacher lifted the top of the desk and shook her head. We had a good softball team. We also played rugby which was something like football. We also played Anti Over. You used a tennis ball. Two players played. You threw the ball over the school roof to the other side. The person on the other side had to catch the ball and if he did not catch the ball, then one point against him. Then you tried again. We also had spelling bees. Sweet corn was 10 cents a dozen. Every Saturday, dad would go to Welland market with the horse and wagon. Us kids skated on the pond and the river—from Becketts Bridge to Welland. Some of the older boys had a Model T Ford or a Model A Ford. In the spring, the roads were soft and muddy and the cars could not go. When us kids came home from school, we had chores to do: one of which was to fill the woodbox and make sure it was always full. In the summer we had to weed the garden. Dad gave us a row to weed. We made sure See JACK next page
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The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
Voice
FAITH LIFT
CROSSWORD
by PASTOR ROB WEATHERBY
Page 19 Canborough Fonthill Fulton Niagara-on-the-lake Stevensville Wainfleet Waterford
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T
OM HANKS IS probably my favorite actor. Since the early 1980s, Hanks has starred in numerous popular movies and is considered to be one of the most successful actors in Hollywood. The road, however, has not been easy…
Early years
When he was born in 1956 in Concord, California, Tom’s mother was a Portuguese hospital worker and his father was an English itinerant cook. When he was five, his parents divorced and Tom’s life suddenly got complicated. He and his two older siblings moved to Nevada with their father, while his younger brother stayed behind with his mother. His father then remarried twice and his mother remarried three times. These blended families would give Tom a total of 11 step-brothers and sisters. Unpopular at school with both students and teachers, Tom admits, “I was a geek, a spaz. I was horribly, painfully, terribly shy.” Since his father was a travelling chef, Tom moved ten times and attended five schools by the age of ten. Although his biological parents were Catholic and Mormon, Tom describes himself as a “Bible-toting evangelical” as a teenager. He explains, “Because of all the people I lived with, I had a chequered religious upbringing. Then, when I was in high school, I had a serious born-again experience.” In his junior year at high school, Tom discovered his love and God-given gift for acting. He decided to learn all he could about the theatre both on and off the stage. He earned parts in several school plays and in his senior year was awarded his high school’s award of best actor. Now motivated, Tom went on to college
JACK
continued from previous page we got all the weeds or we did it again. My dad got a radio. We would listen to CFRB news and Saturday Night Hockey. Some of the neighbours would come in to listen to hockey. Sunday dinner was chicken pot pie. We had chamber pots under the beds. They were called thunder mugs. When I was 14, I worked on a farm for $10 a month and board. I worked very hard on the farm doing a man’s job. Some nights I was very tired. We milked cows by hand morning and night. We did all the work with horses. I learned to harness the horses and plough a straight furrow. You lined the horses up with a tree at the other end of the field. Sometimes, I swear the tree moved! The furrow was not too straight! ♦
making the dean’s list followed by university to study acting.
The big break
In 1979 Tom moved to New York City and two years later got his big break — a lead role as Kip Wilson on the ABC show “Bosom Buddies.” Next came guest roles on popular shows like “Happy Days,” “Taxi,”“The Love Boat,” and “Family Ties.” And then in 1988 came a bigger break —the lead role in the movie “Big,” as a 13-year-old boy who overnight became a 35 -year-old man. He was nominated for best actor. In 1993, “Sleepless in Seattle” was a big hit and he then won his first Oscar for best actor in the movie, “Philadelphia.”The next
Tom Hanks, in 2016. D. T. JOHNSON PHOTO
year he won another Oscar for best actor in “Forrest Gump,” the first actor in 50 years to win the award for lead role two years in a row. More box office hits folSee HANKS next page
OBITUARY
OBITUARY
RIDLEY, Stephanie
CROWE, Amos Leo 1928-2019
It is with great sadness that the family of Stephanie Ridley announces her passing. She passed away peacefully at home, in Fonthill on July 4, 2019, at the age of 68 years. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God and the love and prayers of family and friends carried her through her courageous cancer journey. Stephanie will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 48 years, Dennis and her children Marcia, Neal (Melissa) and Vaughn (Sinead). Stephanie will also be fondly remembered by her four grandchildren, Lochlan, Kian, Erin and Finn. The family would like to thank the Welland Palliative Care Team - Dr. Deborah Dooler, Sue, Colleen, Trina and Joclyn.Thank you to Dr. O. Levine, Diane, Dr. Hann and all of the staff at the Juravinski Cancer Centre - Hamilton. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday August 3, 2019 at 1:30 pm, at Rice Road Community Church, 305 Rice Road, Welland, ON. Light refreshments to follow. Stephanie has requested please wear colours, no black! Those who so desire may make memorial donations in the memory of Stephanie to the Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton or Welland Palliative Care Team. The family encourages those who wish to leave an online condolence at www.pedlarfuneralhome.ca.
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Passed away peacefully at the Welland Hospital the evening of Friday, July 5, 2019 in his 92nd year. Sadly missed by his beloved wife of almost 50 years Doreen (nee Clark). Much loved father of Fern Haverkamp (Diane), Joseph Crowe, Barbara Thompson and Randy Perry (Carole). Cherished grandfather of Tammy Naylor (James), Adam Crowe, John Haverkemp Jr., Dwayne Nunemaker, Cory Prenz-Perry, Kyle Perry and Tanner Perry. Great grandfather of Nathan, Jacob, Phoenyx, Jasper, Paige, Kayden, Mason and Elaina. Leo also leaves behind his siblings; Melba, Wesley, Carson (Shirley), Kenneth (Ina), Allan and sister-in-law Pearl. Predeceased by his parents; Naaman and Elsie and brothers; Glen, Roger and his sister Dorothy. Leo worked for many years at the MTO. He enjoyed working in the garden and had a great passion for wood-working. Leo and Doreen loved to travel and were able to spend 17 winters in Florida. Above all, Leo loved spending time with family, friends and tell his stories at Tim Hortons on West Side Road in Port Colborne. Interment took place at Hillside Cemetery in Ridgeville on Saturday July 13th at 1pm followed by a Celebration of Life at the Fonthill Legion Branch 613, HWY 20, from 2-4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ostomy Canada SocietyNiagara Branch. Online condolences may be shared at www.pedlarfuneralhome.ca
ANSWERS ON PAGE 14
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The Voice of Pelham, July 17 2019
CORNER
continued from Page 2 after Lalonde’s emailed allegations arrived. Here’s another surprise. When I met Lalonde in front of the Balfour Street operation last Friday, to take the photo that appears on the cover,
he was well-received by his former co-workers. (Less so by security, who gave us the evil eye from across the street.) The man was practically being high-fived by workers who, depending on how severely Health Canada decides to come down on the company, may not have a job
soon. As of this writing, at Monday noon, CannTrust’s CEO remains. Whether that’s still true by Friday is an open question. It will also be curious to see how “Canada’s Most Award-Winning PR Agency” navigates its client out of this particular quagmire. However it goes,
SWEET, SWEET CHERRY TIME July means cherry-picking season, and some recent rain didn't stop folks from coming out for the harvest at Duffin Farms on Rice Road. Proprietors Bill and Kim Duffin are joined by superdog Max and a basket of scrumptious cherries. The Duffins say that this spring's adverse weather slowed the growth somewhat, but that the result now seems to be sweeter-tasting cherries. The Voice can confirm. Duffin Farms is open daily for the harvest from 8 AM to 8 PM. VOICE PHOTO
HANKS
(2013) and “Sully” (2016).
continued from previous page
Today's Tom
lowed with “Apollo 13” (1996), “Saving Private Ryan” (1998), and “You’ve Got Mail”(1998). Later movies included “The Green Mile” (1999), “Cast Away” (2000), “The Da Vinci Code” (2006), “Captain Phillips”, “Saving Mr. Banks”
So what’s the real Tom Hanks like today? He’s a devoted husband and family man. In 1988, Tom married actress Rita Wilson. Wilson gave him two sons (Chet and Truman). He also has two children (Colin
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I suspect that the episode will end up as a case study in MBA programs across the continent by spring semester 2020...Something else to examine: This week we also present our best attempt to get to the bottom of the Town’s ongoing claims about Summerfest’s financial “impact.” As writer John Chick found, there’s precious little hard data out there, and what is available is fuzzy at best. Rather than continue to inflate the event’s influence on the economy, maybe it’s time for the Town simply to say, look, we want to put on a party, and this is how much it’s going to cost...Grin and bare it: A little while back I was Googling something related to Fonthill and up popped an unusual result. A nudist resort, from the 1950s. Say what now? This sounded like an interesting subject for an article, especially once I found out that— like New York City in The Planet of the Apes—the 25-acre site still existed, slowly being reclaimed by vegetation, decades after it closed. The Pelham Library’s Elaine Anderson helped find information about the property, and books about nudism in Canada. She, her daughter, and my wife and I were permitted to tour the grounds—an experience that I do not recommend without first applying a shellac-like coating of insect repellent. The mosquitoes were murder. How anyone could stand exposing their entire body to them boggles the
and Elizabeth) from an earlier college relationship. He wants to be a good father to all four. He’s also a man of prayer and faith. In recent years, he revealed that Rita had secretly been battling breast cancer. After surgery and treatment, she is now cancer-free. Tom’s relieved response was, “God bless my wife— and her courage. We’re very lucky.”
imagination. Now, “a little while ago” was 2013. The editor I pitched this story to at the time virtually recoiled in horror at the very idea of folks wandering the woods in the buff, and so while I didn’t pursue the article then, I didn’t forget about it, either. Elaine Anderson has since retired (but thankfully held on to her photos—thanks again, Elaine!), and now here I am at the Voice. Unleash the nudes! And full disclosure, so to speak, in my 20s, while living in California I quite enjoyed letting it all hang out at nude beaches, the Pacific salt air providing natural air conditioning. The sensation was definitely liberating. Should have used more sunscreen though...Hankering for the truth: This week’s Faith L ift piece on Tom Hanks got my spidey senses tingling. Sure enough, a little bit of online digging revealed that Hanks is being promoted in some Christian circles— particularly in the conservative evangelical orbit—as one of their own. The larger truth is a bit more nuanced. Growing up—as mentioned in the Faith Lift piece— Hanks’ family life was anything but stable, and the instability had the knockon effect of exposing him to a wide variety of religious beliefs. In 1988, he joined the Greek Orthodox faith, to match that of his bride’s family. Yet having mixed in so many religious milieus over the decades, Hanks’ outlook these days in fact seems Deist—acknowledg-
Tom now has his own health issue —Type 2 diabetes. He and Rita pray often and plan to weather this storm together as well. When asked about his faith, Tom said “I think you’ll be foolish not to believe in God.” Many fans consider him “the most trusted celebrity” and fellow-actors call him “the nicest guy in Hollywood.” That’s a pret-
ing “god” as a force that put the universe in motion, and nothing else, a philosophy shared by many US founding fathers, Abe Lincoln, and—appropriately for this 50th anniversary of his stroll on the moon— Neil Armstrong. "I must say that when I go to church— and I do go to church—I ponder the mystery,” says Hanks. “I meditate on the 'why?' of 'why people are as they are' and 'why bad things happen to good people,' and 'why good things happen to bad people'... The mystery is what I think is, almost, the grand unifying theory of all mankind." Hanks is known for his progressive social and political views, supporting alternative fuels, environmental causes, and samesex marriage. He strongly opposed an LDS (Mormon) Church effort in California to define marriage as solely between a man and a woman, and specifically called out church members for their views on marriage. In short, as a poster boy for regressive evangelicals, Tom Hanks makes a deliciously ironic choice.... Fresh cherries everywhere: DeVries Fruit Farm (ad, page 9) has them, and a lot more, as does Duffin’s (photo this page)...Pretend you’re visiting Sun Valley Gardens: If you’re going to Summerfest this weekend, lather-up with the sunscreen! The forecast is calling for baking sunshine, with temps in the low 30s feeling like the low 40s. Beer-drinking weather, for sure. Enjoy. ♦
ty good ending to a story that had such a rough start. ♦ Pastor Rob Weatherby is semiretired so now has more time to watch movies. Editor's note: For more about Hanks' approach to religion and social issues, see this week's Publisher's Corner, page 2.
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