The Voice, July 25 2018

Durley is game for another go page 3 Summerfest photo album page 10 A shed grows in the woods page 14 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

The Voice

Larry “BILKO” Bilkszto Your Local Sales Representative 905-563-3330 • 905-641-1110

SELL phone: 905-321-2261 www.pineSOLD.com

DEBBIE PINE SALES REPRESENTATIVE 905.892.0222

RE/MAX® Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

www.bilko.ca

NRC Realty, Brokerage

Independently Owned & Operated

debbiepine@royallepage.ca

THE PAPER THAT PELHAM READS

bilko@rgcmail.com

Vol.22 No.30

Wednesday, July 25 2018

FREE

Larry “BILKO” Bilkszto Your Local Sales Representative 905-563-3330 • 905-641-1110

RE/MAX® Garden City Realty Inc., Brokerage

www.bilko.ca bilko@rgcmail.com

Column Six

Ford Fest lite For 90 minutes on Saturday, Summerfest was Doug Ford's party

BY DAVE BURKET

The VOICE

O

NTARIO PREMIER Doug Ford stopped

by Summerfest on Saturday afternoon, arriving at the foot of Church Hill Street around 3:45, alighting from one of a small fleet of black SUVs carrying his advance team and OPP security.

“Oh, I can’t tell you that,” answered a burly OPP plainclothes officer behind dark shades, when asked how many more of his colleagues were in the crowd.

Ford, looking relaxed in a polo shirt and jeans, greeted local dignitaries first. On hand were Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn, Regional Councillor Brian Baty, Regional Chair Alan Caslin, and Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff.

“It’s a way of thanking the people,” said Oosterhoff, whose idea it was that Ford come out to Niagara. “It’s a classy thing to do.”

HANDS UP A young soap bubble gun enthusiast enjoys a moment in the spotlight as the Premier of Ontario visits Summerfest. Page 10.

Cremation/Burial

DAVE BURKET PHOTO

We can help you get your ducks in a row

James L. Pedlar Funeral Home (905) 892-5762

Our family serving your family

See COLUMN SIX back page

Page 2

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

THE VOICE POLL: Attitudes toward the Community Centre

RESULTS

PUBLISHER’S CORNER

by Dave Burket

Can we catch a breath now? It's been quite a whirl over the last 10 days or so in not-so-quiet Pelham. A week ago Saturday saw the Meridian Community Centre sneak-peek, then the facility soft-opened last Friday, to a the apparent delight of some folks ready to take on the walking track.

This past weekend saw the 8th annual Summerfest go off mostly without a hitch, the exception being Sunday's washout. The pancakes we could have lived without, but the car show sounded fun. Happily, the Fenwick Lions will scratch that particular itch at summer's close, with their second annual Classic Car Show and Draw, on September 8...

It's suddenly candidates galore: Yet more candidates have filed nomination papers for various offices­—Town Council, Regional Council, and school board. We're struggling to keep up, but will get interviews to you as soon as we can...

It's nice to be right occasionally: The ink hadn't even dried in last week's paper when our prediction about Councillor Gary Accursi declaring for mayor came true...A stock question or two: Speaking of candidate interviews, one of the questions we're asking each Pelham candidate is this—Do you favour rescinding non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) signed by former Pelham staff, and allowing them to speak freely about their experiences working for the Town, and their reason for leaving? "Not necessarily" answers Councillor John Durley, running for re-election in Ward 3. See Don Rickers' interview with him on page 3...A little something different: Feel like expanding your veggie frontiers?

Nature Lovers Garden Centre is selling unique South Asian produce, home-grown, at their stand on Foss Road. See their ad on page 17...Bedtime theatrics: Do your little ones turn dramatic when it's time to hit the hay? Channel that talent! Cranky Bear offers acting classes for the 6-14 set, page 18...Or get them outside, delivering papers: See below!

On the heels of a "sneak peek" of the new Meridian Community Centre offered a week ago Saturday to Pelham residents, last week we asked readers about their attitudes toward the facility. We asked: It's been two years since Pelham Town Council voted to authorize a twin-pad arena community centre. Knowing what you know now about the project, the issues surrounding its financing, and its impact on other Town services, has your attitude about the community centre changed?

Overall, very few respondents said that their attitudes had changed with time—whether originally supporting or opposing the East Fonthill project. Approximately 6 in 10 were originally opposed to any centre, or are now opposed to the centre as designed. Approximately 4 in 10 are wholly or partly supportive of the centre as designed.

A much starker divide appears when questioned about the centre's long-term value.

By nearly 2-to-1, respondents say that the centre will cause significant financial strain on the Town and was not worth the cost to build.

Although safeguards are in place to discourage multiple votes, this is a self-selected poll, meaning it has no scientific validity compared to formal surveys by established polling firms. By press time on Monday, 102 votes were cast. Numbers shown indicate both votes cast and approximate percentages.

I always supported the twin-pad centre as originally designed.

I always supported the centre, although I also always preferred that only one pad be included.

I was always opposed to developing any facility in East Fonthill.

I originally supported the centre, but now believe building it was a mistake.

Exercise + Cash + Fresh air

Mark Bay in for Ward 1

2 PAPER ROUTEs AVAILABLE!

In the most contested race thus far in the upcoming municipal election, Mark Bay, 51, owner-operator of Bay Electrical Construction and part-time Niagara College instructor, has become the fifth candidate to file in almost entirely rural Ward 1.

Bay and his family moved to Fenwick 13 years ago. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2014 against incumbent

Route 3 –Fonthill – 86 papers Route 38 – Fonthill – 100 papers

CALL (905) 892-8690 TODAY! Congratulations

CARRIERS

OF THE WEEK!

See IN THE NEWS Page 15

Rachel & Taylor

Veldhuizen

The

Voice

Sponsored by FONTHILL

905-892-8690

Hwy 20, Fonthill

Open 6 to 11 daily

Find the Voice at these locations:

(905) 892-2570

Bakery, Deli, Hot meals

If your message to Pelham isn’t in our pages,

Then it isn’t being seen.

Wendy Hammond and Jim Chalcraft, with their driver and guide Valerie, on safari in Chobe National Park, Botswana!

The Voice

Send us your picture holding The Voice, whether across town or abroad and we’ll share it with our readers! Email your photo with a brief description to

office@thevoiceofpelham.ca

RIVER CRUISE 2019 EARLY SAVINGS EXTENDED

The paper that Pelham reads.

Free or reduced airfare Rhine/Danube, Moselle, Duoro, Nile, Mekong Small groups, tours, wine and beer included Call for an appointment before they are gone!

(905) 892-8690 advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

Remember you are TICO protected when booking with us.

Call the River Experts: Pam and Jim

www.niagara.cruiseholidays.com 1400 Pelham St., Fonthill Book Local TICO Reg 4559761

Two-term Ward 2 Councillor Gary Accursi has filed nomination papers to run for Pelham mayor in the upcoming municipal election.

Accursi was first elected to council in 2010. According to a campaign news release, Accursi, a Welland native, has resided in Pelham for 45 years. A retired dentist, he has been active in various civic and charitable organizations, and served on the committee overseeing Pelham’s controversial new community centre project.

Retired civil servant Carla Baxter, and former Councilor Marvin Junkin are also running.

Longtime resident Chris Fletcher has filed to run for Town Council in Ward 2. A plumber turned piano retailer and technician, Fletcher and his spouse Lorelei have lived in Pelham for 45 years.

Fletcher first ran for office in the early 1980s, a bid for mayor against Eric Bergenstein, who won. Fletcher faces Cheryl Crozier.

I supported the centre originally, but now think that it was a mistake not to include a swimming pool.

Looking to get active?

905.892.7900

Accursi announces for mayor

Chris Fletcher in for Ward 2

I was originally opposed to building any facility in East Fonthill, but now I support the new centre.

Voice on vacation!

IN THE NEWS

The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM

DEBBIE PINE

SALES REPRESENTATIVE 905.892.0222 SELL phone: 905-321-2261

Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

debbiepine@royallepage.ca

Vol.20 No.48

CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

DSBN wants portion of Town park

111 Hwy. 20 E., Unit 5, Fonthill 905-892-9054 www.healthycupboard.ca

905-892-9054

www.healthycupboard.ca

Debbie Pine SALES REPRESENTATIVE pinesold.com

Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm ◆ Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm Sat 9:30-5:00pm

New Location Coming Soon!

Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

The Comfort Maple myth

The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM

Vol.20 No.39

NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

FREE

Get

Pined -Sol Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store

Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill 111 Hwy. 20 E., Unit 5, Fonthill 905-892-9054 www.healthycupboard.ca

905-892-9054

Oops: No fire trucks for you

Haist Street traffic-calming measure a little too effective

Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm • Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm • Sat 9:30-5:00pm

www.healthycupboard.ca

Debbie Pine SALES REPRESENTATIVE pinesold.com

Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm ◆ Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm Sat 9:30-5:00pm

New Location Coming Soon!

Niagara Real Estate Center, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM

Column Six

Growing up British

Vol.20 No.32

NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997

Wednesday October 12, 2016

FREE

Apple Day comes to Fonthill

BY JULIE MANNELL

Special to the VOICE

W

BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3.

NATE SMELLE PHOTO

Public meeting tonight on school issues

BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick.

Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-

Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation.

DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be

“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime.

Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting.

“We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page

HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin.

My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries.

Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town.

This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation.

On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque.

“This tree looks dead,” I said to my father.

“It sure is getting there, Julie.”

The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14

Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation

BY VOICE STAFF

A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through.

One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through.

“If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire

BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER

Special to the VOICE

A

Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said.

While waiting for the contractor to return to fix

the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-

VOICE PHOTO

bourhood in the short-term.

Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with

the chicane the morning it first opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5

Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest

BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21.

Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-

sidered.

The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event.

Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-

ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more specific issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security.

Another way the committee plans

to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016.

"We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said.

“It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going.

We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5

FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box.

Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano.

For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely.

Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint

See COLUMN SIX Page 14

Full service. Full-time Realtor.

BY VOICE STAFF

While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples.

As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations.

The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada.

“The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-

The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals

ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”

“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie.

Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls

walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school.

Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later.

After delivering to Council a petition containing

Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the

podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case.

Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel.

As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.

www.pennylanesold.com

H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES

BY JOHN SWART

VOICE Correspondent

and youth ages 5-25. This year the 3rd Fonthill Group, which includes Beavers to Ventures (youth ages 5- 25) will be hitting the streets to drum-up support.

Over the weekend, Scouts will be set up in Fonthill outside Sobeys, Tim Hortons, Target Gas station, Fonthill Shopping Plaza and the Pioneer Gas station at the corner of Hwys 20 and 24.

Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley

BY NATE SMELLE

The VOICE

Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept.

19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-

Cell 905.933.3049

T

Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers SUPPLIED PHOTO in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign.

A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.

Office 905.892.1702

Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn

Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932

www.facebook.com/voiceofpelham

Request made of community still peeved at name change

See DSBN Page 9

Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill

Mon-Wed 9:30-6:00pm • Thur-Fri 9:30-7:00pm • Sat 9:30-5:00pm

Column Six

BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick.

Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues.

Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students.

“The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated.

The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the

Get

Pined -Sol Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store

Visit Us on Facebook FREE

“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained.

“I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.”

Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2

HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn.

Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn.

It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly.

The hues of Autumn are outstanding.

A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour.

Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River.

If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills.

If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3

Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s Pelham Street Grille Sobeys Fonthill Peter Piper’s Pubhouse DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware & TV Fonthill Library Bob’s Boys Antiques Family Health Pharmacy Fonthill Fitness Fenwick Pie Company McDonald’s Queen's Nails Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Shoppers Drug Mart Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Fonthill LCBO Zee Lube Express Care Food Basics Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Pharmasave Sobeys South Pelham Grill on Canboro Maple Acre Library Ridge Berry Farm Circle-K

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

Page 3

"Team player" Durley files for a fifth term on Council Ward 3 veteran gratified

by Pelham development on the go

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

John Durley was first elected to Town Council in 2003. That’s a long time in politics.

He and his wife are retired, with a cottage, and seven grandchildren to pamper. So why is he running again to represent Pelham’s Ward 3 constituents?

“I think we got a lot accomplished in the last term, particularly with the ongoing development in East Fonthill,” said Durley. “The community centre was a major achievement. I’d like to do another term, to see these other projects through to their completion.”

He is particularly pleased with the approved new residential building at 80 Meridian Way, which will provide 96 units for retirees.

“Affordable housing for seniors is really needed in the area,” he said.

Durley smiles as he discusses the residential growth in East Fonthill, but understands some of the complaints from residents.

“New provincial policies thrust upon us regarding increasing residential densities are packing people in tighter,” he said.

“The estate lots are going to become a thing of the past. Sprawling infrastructure is so expensive to provide and maintain. But we must preserve the friendly, neighbourhood feel that we currently have in Pelham, and not deteriorate to the Jane-Finch type housing that Toronto has.”

Durley retired in 2007 after 40 years of service with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, in Welland. Over the years he has served on a multitude of municipal committees, been a volunteer for local food drives, a member of

the Legion, and Welland firefighters, and worked with Pelham and Welland hockey organizations as a coach, manager, and executive member.

His political style?

“I see myself as a team player,” he said.

“I appreciate that my views will occasionally conflict with those of others. There is a lot emotion in politics sometime. I like to deal with facts. Council members don’t always agree, but we respect each other’s opinions. The people now at the council table work well together. When we make a decision, we all own the decision. I think all councillors have contributed in a positive way this term. We don’t have the backstabbing of some other councils.”

Turning to hot-button issues, Durley said the glowing comments from most of the 850 attendees at the recent Meridian Community Centre open house justify the hard decisions that were made.

“A pool was prohibitively expensive, and there are other pools in proximity at the YMCA and at Brock,” he said.

Addressing the fact that Pelham Town Hall has seen significant turnover in staff in recent years, Durley said, “We have 12 municipalities in close proximity, and we compete amongst each other for the best people. The hires we have made have been good people.

It’s like Major League Baseball— some players trade up for new opportunities.”

He said that not all Town employees sign non-disclosure agreements, and most leave on good terms. But when asked whether he would support releasing departed employees from

Councillor John Durley in his kitchen. their NDAs, allowing them to speak freely about their experience working for the Town of Pelham, Durley replied, “Not necessarily.”

“Our planner got a better job in Thorold, and off she went. It’s completely understandable,” he said, asserting that the Ontario Human Rights Code requires employee confidentiality.

On Pelham CAO Darren Ottaway?

“He has been a terrific visionary. I’m pleased with the results from staff. We do regular staff performance reviews. The objective is to identify strengths and areas for improvement. There are no witch hunts,” says Durley.

“We have good people with expertise on staff, but sometimes we need to outsource to get the best information for a project.”

Maintenance issues are an ongoing battle.

“We only have so many public works staff. Things break down and get overgrown. We establish

priorities. The Emerald Ash Borer has been killing a lot of trees— that’s a major safety issue right now, and we assign workers to deal with it. I think Town staff are very good about reacting promptly to things like wind and ice storms, when trees come down.”

On the lengthy delays with Sulphur Springs Road and Poth Street repairs, Durley said, “There are extenuating circumstances with those projects. We need to fix them, but fix them correctly and affordably, not just with a bandaid approach.”

He has ideas about the old arena property on Haist Street, which totals about eight acres.

“I am adamant that we don’t lose the parkland and green space there. What is green, we keep green and hang onto it. For the rest, the possibilities are endless.”

If elected, Durley said that in the first month his priorities would be to, “Carry on with East Fonthill development, encourage

DON RICKERS PHOTO

community improvement grants for beautification in Fonthill and Fenwick, and establish 2019 budget priorities. Let’s do what we need, and then what we want, and finally maybe think about what we can wish for down the road.”

As far as the current campaign is concerned, Durley said, “I’ll try to knock on every door in my ward, as I’ve always done in past campaigns. I answer a lot of questions over the phone. I’ll have my pamphlet and some signage, but door-to-door works best for me. There is some new housing in Ward 3, like the Rosewood development, and I’ll have to make sure people can put my face to the name on the ballot. I always tell people, “If you have a problem, call me up, even if you are outside my ward, and I’ll listen to your issue and try to make it right.”

Durley summed up his motivation succinctly, “I’m here to focus on the next generation of Pelham. I want Pelham to get better.

That’s my goal.”

20-year effort to preserve cemetery rewarded Rich Hatt dug in for the long haul

His parents were so grateful... that they named him Preserved

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Rich Hatt, of Fonthill, is proud of the Cemetery Preservation Award he received this summer from the Ontario Historical Society. It represents validation of the 20-year battle he fought to see his ancestors’ United Empire Loyalist gravesites preserved from developers’ shovels.

He is the great, great, great grandson of the founder of Dundas, Ontario, Richard Hatt II, and his wife, Mary Cooley, and commenced his story by sharing the family history.

Richard Hatt II was born in Middlesex, England in 1769, and emigrated to Canada in 1792. He made his way to Upper Canada (now Ontario), and settled in Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake), taking a job as a pharmacist assistant. After a few years he moved to Ancaster Town-

ship, and opened a general store. Hatt II built the first mill and distillery with his brother Samuel, and was eventually appointed Justice of the Peace. Richard Hatt II became a major in the 5th Lincoln Militia in 1803, and was badly injured at the Battle of Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls. He died in 1819, having just been elected to the House of Assembly the year prior.

Mary Hatt’s father, Preserved Cooley, was a United Empire Loyalist, who was given a land grant by the Crown in Ancaster Township. His unusual name was derived from his passage across the Atlantic from England.

“He was born at sea during a storm, and his parents were so grateful to God that they all survived the trip that they named him Preserved,” said Hatt.

Rich Hatt with his Ontario Historical Society award.

The Crown provided land for a cemetery to the Ancaster community as a gift in the late 1700s, given that no church cemeteries ex-

isted before the early 1800s.

Plenty of Cooleys and Hatts are buried there.

The cemetery was abandoned over future genera-

DON RICKERS PHOTO

tions. Brothers named Jim and Bill English owned the property in recent times, and sold it in 1998 for a development named Sulphur

Springs.

The English brothers remembered helping their grandfather move a headstone in 1947 to a pile of rubbish in order to properly cultivate the land. Local historian Roy Woodhouse did some sleuthing, and located the headstone, which was that of Richard Hatt II. In 1998, Jim Green, an historian with the Ancaster Historical Society, investigated the location of the UEL cemetery, and discovered the exact location of Richard Hatt’s grave.

See HATT Page 18

Page 4

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

OPINION

The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.

The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0

COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté It's time to get political, folks

T

HE STATE OF POLITICS and the behaviour of some politicians is at the top of many minds and at the bottom of many dumpsters. Do you, your neighbours and friends often bemoan the apparent decline in the values and character of some politicians within the civic, provincial and federal jurisdictions?

Well if that be so, then who is to blame for such affairs of state? For the honest answer, you don’t have to look very far to find the culprits. Truth be told, it’s very likely you, me and our neighbours.

Be honest. You well know that you have long left the business of politics to others.

You have not been actively engaged in a long, long time, if ever.

Many will resent this allegation. Yet, upon reflection, when was the last time you were actively engaged in the democratic process?

Aside from the few who begrudgingly get off their rears to cast a ballot on the day of an election, the involvement of the majority in the political process is negligible. Mostly zero.

Want proof? Look at the voter turnout numbers. Statistics don’t lie. The turnouts

are often well below 50% of the eligible voters. The turnout for municipal elections is by far the least (43.9% in Pelham’s last municipal election).

With such apathy, it should follow that less than half the eligible voters have a legitimate case to be critical of their political leadership.

The expression, ‘You get what you deserve’ applies here. You invested nothing in your electoral district.

Why then should you expect good outcomes?

There is much at risk to continue leaving the business of politics to a handful of others.

For example, obscure minorities with narrow interests will fill the vacuum.

Once elected, they will enact legislation that does not reflect the needs and will of the majority. If you think that can’t happen then you are dangerously delusional.

So, what can we do?

Firstly, investigate and become actively engaged early in the electoral process. One of the most effective ways to do this at the federal and provincial levels is to join a political party.

This may cause some to hold their noses. However, there is merit to being organized

NEED HELP? MAKE THE CALL Distress Centre For depression, distress, and crisis.

24 hour help line: 905-688-3711   Mental Health and Addictions Access 1-866-550-5205 (Toll Free) Gambler’s Anonymous 905-351-1616

Kids Help Phone Service for youth.

416-586-5437 800-668-6868 (Crisis Line) www.kidshelpphone. ca Assaulted Women’s Helpline Mobile calls to: #SAFE (#7233) 1-866-863-0511 (Toll Free)

Alcoholics Anonymous Find a Niagara meeting.

905-682-2140 Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) www.niagaratips.com Text 274637(CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip

The Voice

1428 Pelham Street, P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Office open: Monday - Thursday 8 AM - 2 PM

(905) 892-8690

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca PUBLISHER & EDITOR Dave Burket publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca NEWS WRITER Don Rickers ADMINISTRATION Lori Gretsinger office@thevoiceofpelham.ca CONTRIBUTORS Carolyn Botari, Colin Brezicki, Larry Coté, Gloria J. Katch, Samuel Piccolo, Bill Potrecz, Bernie Puchalski, John Swart, Kirk Weaver NEWS INQUIRIES & TIPS editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

and recognized. This will help insure that your voice is more likely to be heard and your ideas to take root.

At the municipal level one needs to attend the candidates’ meetings and be prepared to ask hard questions of the wannabe-leaders of your community. Theoretically, municipal politics does not involve party affiliations. Weigh the responses carefully before you choose who you think to be the best for your community. Then become part of that candidates’ campaign in whatever capacity you can offer.

Because you invested, you will likely continue to be involved and interested in the political machinations of your community and electoral ridings.

As a collective, the hard truth is we have messed up.

Big time! If, and when, sufficient numbers accept that reality, the process to correct the deficiencies can begin. Don’t give up. Dive in.

It’s time for the majority to get political and retake the process for the people, by the people.

Larry Coté is a retired professor of business. He was awarded the Governor General’s Medal for his community involvements.

Letters Real kids will face real consequences if Ford ends sex-ed As a parent and an educator, I am disturbed by Doug Ford's move to discontinue the evidence-based sex education curriculum that is taught in Ontario schools, without providing a replacement. He is literally taking us back to the ‘90s! And here are just some of the things that our children will not be learning about.

The concept of consent is not mentioned even a single time in the 1990s curriculum that Ford is using to fill the gap he’s created. So the kids won't be learning about that.

Smartphones and social media were not around in the ‘90s, so the kids won't be learning about the dangers lurking on the internet and how to keep themselves safe.

Nor will they be learning about cyber- bullying. And, of course, LGBT kids will not be able to learn that it is okay for them to be themselves — but that maybe the whole point of what Ford is trying to do.

The 1998 curriculum Doug Ford wants to teach today’s kids was designed in the time of fax machines, film cameras and dial-up internet (remember those?). It simply won’t give kids the skills to safely navigate relationships in the digital age.

We must say no to this reckless move that puts ideology over the wellbeing of real kids.

Maxim Voronov Fonthill

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 David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Members of Pelham Town Council

Member of Provincial Parliament

Ward 1 Councillor Richard Rybiak rrybiak@pelham.ca 905-892-2105

Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755

Councillor James Lane jlane@pelham.ca 905-892-2607

Electoral District: Niagara West-Glanbrook

Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Councillor Brian Baty brian.baty@niagararegion.ca 905-892-5317 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607

Ward 2 Councillor Catherine King cking@pelham.ca 905-658-8599 Councillor Gary Accursi gaccursi@pelham.ca 905-892-5528 Ward 3 Councillor John Durley jdurley@pelham.ca 905-892-5388 Councillor Peter Papp ppapp@pelham.ca 905-328-6008

Community Centre project updates: www.pelham.ca/pcc

The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time.

Thomas Jefferson

Volunteer Webmaster

required for the Pelham Art Festival.

The Volunteer will monitor, add to and update website and pages with information provided by the Board.

Pelhamartfestival.com is hosted by Weebly.

The position can be started as soon as possible.

Please submit your application to the PAF, elsswartpaintings@gmail.com.

Jill C. Anthony Law Office

Have an Opinion?

BARRISTER, SOLICITOR & NOTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are welcome. Letter submissions should contain the writer’s full name, address and telephone number. Names only will be published. Names may be withheld if compelling reasons are provided. The newspaper reserves the right to change, condense or reject any contribution for brevity, clarity or legal considerations. All material in this publication is protected by copyright. Reproduction is prohibited without express, written permission of the publisher.

ADVERTISING: The Voice of Pelham regrets any errors or omissions that appear in advertisements in this newspaper, however, we will not be held responsible for more than one absent or incorrect insertion or for any damages beyond the cost of space containing the error. The Voice is an independent, locally owned and operated publication.

The Voice is a member of the National NewsMedia Council, a voluntary self-regulatory organization that deals with journalistic practices and ethics. If you have an unresolved complaint about news stories, opinion columns or photos, please visit their web site at mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163. If you have a complaint about delivery or membership problems, please contact our office at 905-892-8690. For a summary of Voice ethical guidelines, see www.thevoiceofpelham.ca/ethics

REAL ESTATE, PURCHASES, SALES & MORTGAGES, BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS & SALES, ESTATE ADMINISTRATION, WILLS & POWER OF ATTORNEY FONTHILL (Main Office)

10 Highway 20 E., P.O. Box 743, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 T: 905-892-2621 • F: 905-892-1022

janthony@jillanthony.com

JA

NIAGARA FALLS (Satellite Office)

Pio Plaza, 8685 Lundy’s Lane, Unit #2, Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1H5 T: 289-296-2629 • F: 289-296-0222

www.jillanthony.com

NEW LOCATION

Well don't just sit there. Share it with the Voice! letters@thevoiceofpelham.ca

905-892-8690

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

Page 5

OPINION Letters

continued

Gypsy moth menace must be addressed

A fundraising thank-you

Open letter to Mayor and Council

I am writing to ask the Town of Pelham to help save the threat to our Carolina Forest by the excessive invasion of the gypsy moth to the region.

This year we were hit with an excessive amount of gypsy moth caterpillars that devastated the hardwood trees and pines in the “protected” Carolinian Forest. Tens of thousands of caterpillars destroyed the leaves on trees to the point of stripping some clean of all their leaves.

This massive infestation didn’t end which the caterpillars. Once they cocoon and become moths, they continue to cover the trees with female moths laying eggs and male moths flying around to fertilize them.

That doesn’t sound bad, until your yard is so full of moths that you can’t be outside without moths flying all around you.

Every female moth lays thousand of eggs in a fluffy little tuff stuck to tree trunks, branches, leaves, underside of logs, decks, crevices of bricks and bark.

As citizens we do our part to squish gypsy caterpillars and destroy gypsy moth eggs by scratching them off where they were laid.

We need to get the word out to the community to destroy these menace moths that are destroying the hardwood trees and pines in our community. Having their leaves stripped in early

I would like to thank my family, friends, my neighbours on Fallingbrook, Brookbank, Spruceside, Deerpark, Nursery Lane, the active and retired members of Pelham Fire Station # 1, and the Amici Per La Vita Niagara Cycling Club for helping me raise $2108 for the cycling fundraiser Pedaling for Parkinson’s. An ambitious goal of $500,000 towards research was set this year and in the end $640, 000 was raised. I would also like to thank Paul Nemy for the invitation to this event and his hospitality up in Parry Sound.

Larry Pelt Fonthill

I am writing to you as a Pelham Representative and the Chair of the Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee regarding sidewalks.

The Town of Pelham has been recognized by World Health Organization (WHO) as an ‘Age Friendly’ Community, as well as being recognized as a ‘Walkable’ Community.

I am sure we are all acutely aware of many sidewalk safety issues throughout our town, namely: 1. Obvious trip hazards 2.Chipped, raised and broken sidewalk slabs 3.Sidewalks of varying/ multiple widths 4.Grass encroaching over sidewalks making them even narrower 5.Shrubs and bushes which have been allowed to grow/encroach over sidewalks 6.Low hanging tree branches over sidewalks that need to be removed before someone loses an eye 7.Sidewalk cutouts/half moon slabs, that at one time curled around trees that are no longer there 8.Asphalt sidewalk patches that were meant to be temporary are now deteriorating, rough, and broken 9.Tactile plates that if followed would lead the in-

summer is stressful for the trees and will weaken and eventually kill them.

We were given the responsibility to protect this ecosystem

I have asked the Mayor to protect our “protected” forest and community trees with spraying of the larger affected areas to decrease the gypsy moth population.

This spring the city sprayed for the gypsy moth caterpillar near the Haist Street park area.

At present the Mayor has declined to budget to help the larger community and protect the Carolinian Forest (a government-protected ecosystem).

We were given the responsibility to protect this ecosystem (we can neither cut trees nor develop the forested property) so let’s protect them by being proactive and against the gypsy moth.

Donna Boksa Fenwick

A tale of two investigations Just recently the Ombudsman's office had completed its investigation into the confiscation of a local reporter's laptop and notes, with the conclusion the Region's actions were illegal.

The investigation was carried out methodically over a period of eight months and when it was completed it was presented to the Region 17 days in advance before releasing it to the public. Now that all parties are familiar with their conclusion it will now be a topic for discussion at the July 26 Regional Council meeting.

If you compare this investigation with the one carried out by Mr. Huberman, representing the Region’s Integrity Commissioner, ADR Chambers, on the tainted hiring of the Regional CAO Carmen D'Angelo, you have to question the content of Mr. Huberman's report.

The investigation was carried out by a firm hired by the Region, unlike an Ombudsman's investigation. It took approximately two months, rushed to say the least, with many key questions gone unanswered. The 42-page report was presented to council at a meeting without the common courtesy of letting the councillors or public review it in advance, as the Ombudsman had done in his

report. Mr. Huberman then touched on the high points with a conclusion stating that there was no wrongdoing in the hiring of CAO

We all have a chance to rectify this problem come October 22

Praise for Seniors on the Move A few months ago I moved from a four-bedroom home to a condo. On moving day my husband fell and broke his hip.

I was at the hospital all day-plus.

Juanita and her group [Taking the stress out of moving for seniors, July 18, p. 7] took over packing everything, selling many items on Kijiji, then unpacking and placing everything at the condo in exactly the right places.

I can not say enough good things about Seniors On The Move.

Sheila White Ridgeville

Mr. Mayor, why leave now?

Mr. Augustyn is running for Niagara Regional Chair. His Twitter account features stories and photographs from myriad events to support his efforts in becoming more visible. The Mayor apparently does not prioritize the nitty gritty of Pelham’s pedestrian issues.

Mr. Augustyn gives scant credibility to what many Pelham taxpayers regard as backroom deals and lack of communication. Repair of our streets has been relegated to somewhere down the road.

Good leadership requires collaboration with a cross-section of residents to determine a successful future. A strong leader cultivates others to create opportunities which offer stability and sustainable growth. Somehow being surrounded by legal weed/ pot/ganja/grass probably did not figure into the vi-

sion of long-term goals, but that skunk smell is present for now.

Pelham’s new community centre is an imposing building. It is unfortunate that the number one item on every requested wish-list was not considered important, hence no swimming pool.

The costs incurred to build the community centre have yet to be determined, as there is a lack of communication from Pelham municipality. The cost to operate it may be an unwelcome increase on your tax bill, or perhaps like the original Haist Street arena lands, the centre will be sold to support basic needs within Pelham.

The coffers of Pelham are bare, Mr Augustyn. There remains much to accomplish in Pelham.

Why leave office now?

L. Morgan Fonthill

About those Thursday concerts...

We love them and attend when we are in town.

They are a great place to meet friends and enjoy the awesome music, however this does not mean I enjoy listening to the constant buzz of people talking with friends during the concert.

Sometimes it’s a large crowd of friends at the side or at the back but still within earshot. Saying hello,

how are you, is fine. Please be courteous and when you find that long-lost friend, walk back, way back, and visit and have some regard for those who want to listen to the tunes.

Maybe this goes against the purpose of Thursday nights? Is it social? Is it music? Hmm. Jim Stokes Fonthill

Professional SERVICES Directory You’re In Good Hands With Us!

Dr. Ken Sawatzky Dental Surgeon

905-892-5002 1428 Pelham St.

Improve Your Health

Change Your Life!

905.892.6200 Carmen D'Angelo and after a number of questions were answered a vote took place to accept his decision and also to close the case.

After comparing the two investigations I believe you can now see why Councillor Quirk recommended ADR Chambers over the Ombudsman when this scandal first broke. We all have a chance to rectify this problem come October 22, so mark this date on your calendar and exercise your right for change in the upcoming election.

Robert Milenkoff Welland

dividual out into travelled lanes of traffic 10.Although the brick pavers are decorative they are also very bumpy for those in wheelchairs or for those pushing strollers. These pavers are also difficult to negotiate in heals and for seniors who may have balance issues.

Yes we need to watch where we are going (if we can), assuming we are fully sighted and able.

The AODA is very clear about the municipalities ensuring that sidewalks and external paths of travel are safe and accessible for all.

We need to remove barriers for all, whether they are walking, using a wheelchair or other assistive walking device, guide dogs or pushing a stroller.

We would strongly encourage the Town of Pelham to develop a Sidewalk Policy, which includes protocols for sidewalk maintenance, and prioritizes repairs and replacement which will truly make the Town of Pelham a ‘Walkable’ Community that is accessible for all.

Thank you for your attention to these matters. Sincerely.

Sharon Cook, Chair Joint Accessibility Advisory Committee

Joe Della Marina DD,LD Denturist 905-892-1414

22 Regional Road 20 West Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0

Family Dentistry

www.lewisfamilychiropractic.ca

1428 Pelham Street, Fonthill

Monday to Friday Morning and afternoon hours

www.drkensawatzky.com

Dr. Ann Volk Dr. Randy Pauls Dr. Jeanette (Helmuth) Ngo

Optometrists

Mon, Wed, Fri • 8am - 5:30pm Tue • 8 am - 7pm Thu • 8:45am - 7pm 1405 South Pelham, Fonthill • 905.892.5191

Page 6

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

2018 Bandshell Series

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

This week in baseball

BY MELISSA WELLS

Special to the VOICE

The McFlys

BY JIM CASSON

Special to the VOICE

The McFlys are a Hamilton-based ‘80s tribute band playing all of your favourite and unforgettable Rock and Pop hits from the decade!

From bands like Loverboy, Duran Duran, Bon Jovi, Billy Idol, Bryan Adams, Huey Lewis, Devo, Pat Benatar, Flock of Seagulls, Simple Minds, and so much more. The McFlys have had the pleasure of playing at many different venues for various different events — including bars and restaurants, outdoor festivals and concerts, corporate events, private parties, weddings, and more. Sing along and dance along with one of the most fun and energetic bands around —You’ll be “Whippin It...with a Rebel Yell!” The show, sponsored by Holy Trinity Anglican Church, starts at 7 PM and goes until 9 PM. There is no cover charge but donations are greatly appreciated to allow the Bandshell committee to continue to bring you great concerts each week. For more information visit www.fonthillbandshell. com

Caleb and Adam cheer on Myers in the Thorold Tournament.

The Group 92/Font Coffee Bar Pelham Panthers Mosquito Rep team has been battling hard all season long and are starting to see some great improvements. The team was in the Thorold tournament last weekend and went 1-2, unfortunately not making it to Sunday's finals. The team has had great pitching by all-season Nash Brophy and timely plays by each team member. Last week saw busy week with a game on Monday in Welland and Tuesday in Fenwick. The team loves to see supporters at the game, so come

out to Centennial for some great baseball on Tuesday nights!

The Pelham Medical Associates Peewee Rep team had a very exciting walk-off win against the Beamsville Stingers on Wednesday night, July 11!

Down by two runs in the final inning, with two outs, Lucas Grant bunted his way on and stole second. Singles by Chase Munn and Trevor Heaslip tied up the game. Andy Nawrocki walked and Trevor scored on a pass ball for an epic win against the team's division rivals. Earlier in the game, Julian Ru-

TOWN COUNCIL NEWS MCC hits target

Mayor Dave Augustyn announced at the Town Council meeting on July 16 that the $3 million target for the Meridian Community Centre public fundraising campaign has been attained. 30 families have contributed $2,500 or more to the project.

The facility open house on July 14th was attended by approximately 850 people, said the Mayor.

SPCA No Hot Pets campaign

Council discussed how to best educate residents about dangers of pets in hot vehicles. CAO Darren Ottaway suggested that a bylaw change may not be necessary, instead an information campaign could be created.

Community Improvement grants frozen

An application for a community improvement grant at 792 Welland Road was discussed. Mayor Augustyn said that the grants have transformed Fonthill’s downtown core, and that it is an important initiative that should be funded.

However, the Town needs to build its reserve funds, and a motion was carried to freeze the grant program for up to two years.

Building in East Fonthill

Council approved a site plan for 80 Meridian Way, a Parkhill Properties venture, involving a ten-story, mixed-use building which provides 96 residential units for seniors and includes medical and retirement/ long term care development.

Construction of a 23-block townhouse condominium building at 105 Highway 20 East will commence immediately.

This is the former Fonthill Lum-

ber site, now part of the Fonthill Yards development.

Canada Post address issue

Council discussed the confusion resulting from mail for residents on River Road in Fenwick being diverted to River Road in Welland.

Canada Post lists both addresses as Welland. Mayor Augustyn was supportive of the address change, believing a unified address for Pelham was important. The Town will initiate a conversation with Canada Post.

Poth Street culvert

Councillor Gary Accursi requested more detailed cost figures for the culvert repair. The CAO was directed to prepare a report prior to a special July 23 meeting.

Cannabis odour enforcement

Council was informed that there was no resolution to date regarding local medical cannabis facility odours. Complaints from area residents persist. Councillors King and Durley suggested that council should take whatever action is necessary to see that the operations comply with federal regulations under Health Canada. Pelham Bylaw Officers have no jurisdiction in the matter. Mayor Augustyn noted that Niagara MPs Vance Badawey and Dean Allison are supportive of council’s motion to ask Health Canada to enforce the regulation. The motion passed unanimously.

CAO assumes control of public works

With the departure of Andrea Clemencio as Director of Public

Above, a $5,000 cheque is presented to the Pelham Fire Dept through Project Assist, via partner Enbridge Gas, to supplement firefighting training. Right, an illustration of the 10-story mixed use building approved for East Fonthill.

DON RICKERS PHOTO and SUPPLIED GRAPHIC

Works, the search is on for her replacement. Public Relations and Marketing Specialist Marc MacDonald told the Voice that in the interim, the position’s responsibilities have been divided among current department staff, and CAO Darren Ottaway is overseeing the department personally.

COREY SMITH PHOTO

bino make a running catch in left on the lead-off batter. Ethan Crick held Beamsville scoreless in the first inning with a great play on a sharply hit ball. Finn Mitchell-Moore beat out an infield hit and stole two bases with a great show of hussle. Pitcher Connor Jolicoeur had a three up, three down inning, including the game's only pick-off. Jason Sviergula continues to lead the team with determination in centre field, making several diving catch attempts and muscling out an RBI triple.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

Page 7

#MomentsThatMatter

NOW OPEN! YOUR Meridian Community Centre

is now open. We invite you to join us and experience the social, cultural, recreational, and community hub for Pelham’s moments that matter.

#PelhamPROUD Open Mon-Sun - 7 a.m. -10 p.m.

Page 8

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Weathering the storm Bob Gale, Police Services Board chair, says NRPS good news is overlooked

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

R

EGIONA L COUNCILL OR Bob Gale has been on the hot seat in his first term, primarily in his role as chair of the Niagara Police Services Board. And with nearly 90% of the police budget for Niagara ($145 million and climbing) tied to salaries and benefits, there is not a huge amount of wiggle-room to save the taxpayer money.

Gale bears an impressive résumé. A former constable for the NRP, Gale was the 1978 Police Officer of the Year, and also won the Medal of Merit. He left the force of his own accord in 1980 to take over his father’s fuel business, which he grew to 16 gas stations and convenience stores. One of his daughters now runs the operation.

His list of charitable work in Niagara and beyond is extensive. Decorated Rotarian. Canadian Red Cross Power of Humanity Award winner. Board member for the YMCA, Big Brothers, Boys and Girls Club. Coach of numerous sports teams, and builder of the Gale Centre four-pad arena complex in Niagara Falls. And a Niagara Parks commissioner with a reputation for getting things done.

Gale acknowledges the past, but doesn’t want to dwell on it. The future is ahead. Hence, his frustration with some members of the media and colleagues on council, who continue to hammer away at

prior decisions and pronouncements.

Gale was mocked when a news article reported that he characterized an $870,000 cash payout to former police chief Jeff McGuire as “a good business decision.”

Then he referred to St. Catharines Standard reporter Bill Sawchuk as “collateral damage” with regard to the seized laptop incident at a Regional Council meeting last December, adding, “Bill’s a great guy. He accepted our apology. Let’s move on, people.”

Gale greeted his guest in the foyer of the NRP headquarters in Niagara Falls, a 215,000 square foot, $65 million complex opened in 2016.

He first addressed former Chief McGuire’s retirement package.

Since there is a “no disparaging comments” stipulation in McGuire’s agreement, Gale chose his words carefully. “[McGuire] is on record in the media as saying that he was offered so much [money to retire], he had to accept it. I can tell you we never went in with ‘$870,000, here you are.’ It was all negotiated,” said Gale.

There has been heated discussion at Regional Council over the practice of NRP executive officers being awarded their service vehicle as part of their retirement package.

Regional Councillor and Police Services Board chair Bob Gale. DON RICKERS PHOTO “That came up on a deputy-chief’s contract last year, and I said let’s end this right now—and we eliminated it right then and there,” said Gale.

“I have a lot of problems with things that have gone on with past boards—that’s why I’m in politics.”

And while some councillors made reference to the Chief’s Buick Enclave as a $60,000 vehicle, the reality was, says Gale, that its value as a used car was much

less, probably half that amount.

Gale was clearly miffed by the previous police board’s decision to extend McGuire’s contract in the final days of its term.

“The Municipal Act doesn’t govern the Police Act, so they were allowed to do that,” he said.

“Thirty-nine days before the election, they extended Chief McGuire’s contract from 2017 to 2020.

Regional councillors asked the former police board chair [Henry D’Angela] about it, and he re-

sponded ‘That’s a personnel issue, I don’t want to talk about it.’ Other former board members said, ‘That was then, this is now.’ [Our board] could not understand the contract extension. They circumvented our whole board from looking at the future of this force. My board was so transparent, we volunteered the $870,000 out [to the public].”

Gale said that he did not covet the police board chair’s job.

“I wanted to learn [on council] and signed up for various boards—roads, public health, corporate services, planning. Regional councillors said, ‘We want to put your name in for the police board,’ and I said, ‘I really don’t need to be a police board member,’ but they voted me in there, and a month later they said, ‘We want you to be chair…you’ve run a company, you stand up for what’s right.’ So the next thing I know I’m chair of the police board.”

Councillor Andy Petrowski was elected vice-chair.

Things got off to a rocky start.

Chief McGuire and Petrowski didn’t see eye-to-eye on a host of topics. McGuire eventually filed an Integrity Commissioner complaint against Petrowski (later withdrawn) over an email, and former Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre executive director Jeff Burch (now the MPP for Niagara Centre) brought charges against Petrowski with the Ontario Civilian Police Commission over racial comments made on a local radio show.

“It was a poisoned atmosphere right from the start,” said Gale.

Petrowski resigned from the police services board in January 2016.

“Andy has his assets, but his weakness is social media,” Gale said in an interview after PetrowsSee GALE Page 18

Community Voices

in The Voice

Saturday night it’s our First Ever

OPEN MIC

with

Sarah & Chris

It’s your chance to play in front of a friendly crowd!

8 PM to 11 PM Daily Dining Specials

$5 Burger Mondays $6/lb Mussels Tuesdays $7/lb Wings Wednesdays $5 Beef on Weck Thursdays $10 Haddock Fishbowl Fry Fridays SUNDAY FUNDAY MENU!

“The Voice is the only true community paper in town. It’s a clean, well laid out paper and I knew my ad would be seen and not lost in the clutter of the larger publications in neighbouring cities.

My Voice ads have brought me business from day one and it remains the most effective way to reach prospective clients. (Yes, even in this high-tech world).”

STEVE CUNNINGHAM Pelham PC – Computer Sales & Service

Existing business or a start-up—Let us help you grow!

“Ever since we started our business we’ve been advertising in the Voice. As a Fonthill business we want to support Pelham — that includes our local paper. While we draw customers from the surrounding area, our regular repeat customers are all local.

When we advertise we move stuff.

Personally, I find the Voice a much more interesting paper to read, especially in recent years. A lot of the town news would go under the radar if it wasn’t for the Voice.”

GARY RABB Owner, Bloomin’ Crazy Garden Centre

905-892-8690 | advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

Page 9

20 UP TO

DISCOVER WHAT REALLY DRIVES YOU WITH OUR INNOVATIVE LINEUP.

2018 CRUZE

2018 TRAX

%

OF MSRP CASH PURCHASE CREDIT

ON SELECT NEW 2018 MODELS IN STOCK THE LONGEST*

2018 EQUINOX

2018 SILVERADO

CHEVROLETOFFERS.CA

OFFERS END JULY 31ST

THE 2018 SILVERADO 1500

20

%

UP TO

=

OF MSRP

$15,000

CASH PURCHASE CREDIT ʵ

ON SELECT NEW 2018 SILVERADO 1500 MODELS IN STOCK THE LONGEST BASED ON MSRP OF $75,000

HIGH COUNTRY MODEL SHOWN

THE 2018 EQUINOX UP TO

$5,700

CASH PURCHASE CREDIT Ω

OR

ON SELECT NEW 2018 EQUINOX MODELS IN STOCK THE LONGEST BASED ON 15% MSRP OF $38,000

LEASE SELECT 1LT FWD MODELS FOR $138 BI-WEEKLY, THAT’S LIKE:

$69

1%

@

WEEKLY

LEASE RATE

THE 2018 CRUZE

20

UP TO

%

=

OF MSRP

FOR 60 MONTHS WITH $1,000 DOWN PAYMENT WHEN YOU APPLY FOR THE GM CARD OR $1,500 DOWN PAYMENT

$5,200

PREMIER MODEL SHOWN

CASH PURCHASE CREDIT ˠ

ON SELECT CRUZE SEDAN MODELS IN STOCK THE LONGEST BASED ON 20% OF MSRP OF $25,995

PREMIER MODEL SHOWN

ALL ELIGIBLE 2018 MODELS COME WITH

CHEVROLET

COMPLETE CARE

2 YEARS/48,000 KM COMPLIMENTARY

OIL CHANGES.

Δ*

5 YEARS/160,000 KM POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. Δ

4G LTE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI HOTSPOT +, INCLUDES 1 MONTH OR 3 GB OF DATA (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST) FROM VEHICLE DELIVERY DATE.

ʵ$75,000 MSRP applies to new 2018 Silverado 1500 Double Cab Custom Edition 4X4 models at participating dealers in Canada. Purchase price of $75,000 includes $1,795 Freight but excludes license, insurance, registration, dealer fees and taxes. Dealer may sell for less. Offer may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without notice. See dealer for details. Ω $38,000 MSRP applies to new 2018 Equinox LT with automatic transmission models at participating dealers in Canada. Purchase price of $38,000 includes $1,795 Freight but excludes license, insurance, registration, dealer fees and taxes. Dealer may sell for less. Offer may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without notice. See dealer for details. ˠ$25,995 MSRP applies to new 2018 Cruze Sedan LT with Automatic Transmission models at participating dealers in Canada. Purchase price of $25,995 includes $1,700 Freight but excludes license, insurance, registration, dealer fees and taxes. Dealer may sell for less. Offer may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without notice. See dealer for details. ∆ Whichever comes first. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. *Limit of four complimentary Lube-Oil-Filter services in total. Fluid top-offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc., are not covered. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. + Visit onstar.ca for vehicle availability, details and system limitations. Services and connectivity vary by model and conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. Requires active connected vehicle services and data plan. Data plans provided by AT&T or its local service provider. Accessory Power must be active to use the Wi-Fi hotspot.

Page 10

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Saturday at Summer

BY VOICE STAFF

S

UMMERFEST RETURNED last weekend for another three -and-a-half days of music, food, vendors, and kids' activities.

An official attendance count wasn't available at press-time, but journalists present on Saturday afternoon estimated

that roughly 1,500 festival-goers milled up and down Pelham Street in downtown Fonthill, spilling onto Pelham Town Square, where tables were set up for beer drinkers to enjoy live music coming from a stage set up adjacent to the former Moku's Restaurant.

This was Pelham's 8th annual such event, originally started in

2011 to entice residents back to a downtown shopping district that had been disrupted by a lengthy civic redesign.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford was a surprise guest on Saturday afternoon. Read about his visit in this week's Column Six, page 1.

An informal Voice poll of attendees found that a majority, approximately seven in 10, lived

outside Pelham, with the award for farthest distance travelled going to a family from Lewiston, NY. As the festival has grown in duration and size in recent years, so has controversy surrounding its disruption of Pelham Street businesses that the event was originally designed to help.

One merchant, looking out at

the passing parade of happy faces, remarked that with the opening of Pelham's new Meridian Community Centre and public space, he hoped that Summerfest 2019 would take place "just a little ways up the road on 20."

When his visitor observed that this was unlikely, he replied, "There's a new council coming.

Anything's possible."

PHOTOS

BY DAVE BURKET

Kenny Fraiser, left, co-owner of the Butcher & Banker Pub, was recruiting staff. The pub is set to open in September in the former Moku's Hawaiian Restaurant location.

Mixologists were prepared for anything at the new 1856 Social, located in the former Pub on the Hill space. The restaurant's official opening is happening in a few weeks' time.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

Page 11

rfest Pelham Active Transportation Committee members Brian Baty, Bob Fish, and Bea Clarke.

Edward Jones financial advisor Nicolle Lalonde, eager to give away a Churchill gift basket.

Herb Lodde, with the Fenwick Lions,eager to give away a classic '66 Malibu.

The draw happens at this year's Classic Car Show, Sept. 8, at Centennial Park.

South Niagara Hearing Clinic's Alaina Hillier and a prospective customer.

Festival-goers enjoy refreshments under the arches.

Page 12

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Midway through his visit to Summerfest, Doug Ford is drawn aside by his chief assistant for a private chat.

From left, Regional Chair Alan Caslin, Doug Ford, Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff.

Ford poses with Fonthill residents Brendan and his brother Cameron Young.

A group shot, plus one.

Security staff and a Pelham firefighter await Doug Ford's arrival on Church Hill Street.

Ford signs his autograph.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

Practitioners of Taoist Tai Chi, from the organization's Niagara Branch in St. Catharines, demonstrate their moves.

Eight-month-old Chocolate Lab Reece with her family, Chris, Christine, and Charlene Little.

Festival staffer Jack keeps an eye, mostly, on the mini-putt action.

Page 13

Page 14

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

Retirement dream home takes nightmare turn Neighbour's 1.5 story shed erodes backyard privacy

BY DON RICKERS

Special to the VOICE

Esther and Bob Hougham bought 1000 Haist Street, just south of Welland Road, four years ago. It is their retirement dream home.

They made significant renovations, transforming the property inside and out.

Open-concept kitchen, composite decking, interlocking brick patio surrounding a swimming pool, elaborate landscaping. The home backs onto the Steve Bauer Trail. Mature forest and lush greenery provide privacy and tranquility.

Now they are exasperated at the thought of a neighbour’s “backyard storage shed” intruding on their serenity.

Dan and Stephanie Tasich have lived next door at 998 Haist for the past two years.

They have a large, modern home with a three-car garage attached. The Tasichs filed for a minor height variance with the Town of Pelham in May of 2017, seeking to increase the 3.7 metre (12.1 feet) maximum height for an “accessory building” to 5.4 metres (17.7 feet). Town Planner Curtis Thompson remarked that the extra height allows for the building to decrease its footprint, and commented “the authorization of this minor vari-

ance is not expected to generate negative impacts for adjacent users or the community at large” and recommended that the application be approved, which it was.

I'm 71 years old, so twenty years from now doesn't really help me The Hougham’s allege that the peak of the structure under construction is 7.4 metres (24 feet), due to two tri-axle truckloads of gravel which were deposited at the base of the building to raise the grade. That is four times the height of the property fence, say the Houghams. They maintain that the shed’s footprint is 20 x 30 (600 square feet), three feet from the property line, and includes an upper level loft, plumbing, and an outdoor kitchen. Its foundation is seven feet deep, they indicate. (Most backyard sheds sit on patio stones, or

Bob Hougham gazes at his neighbour’s “shed," currently under construction on Haist Street. on a poured concrete pad.)

“The Town’s lawyer told me that the cedars we planted will obscure the building in 20 years, so what’s the problem? I replied that I’m 71 years old, so twenty years from now doesn’t really help me,” says Bob. Esther adds that they would never have bought and refurbished the house if the accessory building next door had been in existence.

The Houghams took their

case to the Ontario Municipal Board in September 2017, and lost.

Esther said that the Town’s lawyer told the hearing that the 1.5 story shed “fit beautifully in with the area.” The OMB adjudicator agreed. The Houghams said that during the OMB hearing, the Town’s lawyers repeatedly referenced the project as a “backyard shed.”

Contacted by the Voice,

Dan Tasich declined an in-person interview, but said that the structure will serve as not just a storage shed, but a workshop.

He is disappointed that his neighbours are upset, but he went through all the proper channels, getting the necessary building permits and variances with the Town.

“The neighbours didn’t want any windows facing their backyard, and we accommodated that in the de-

Rethinking Ageism

sign,” said Tasich. “This is a beautiful building. I really can’t understand their opposition.”

Esther is largely resigned to the situation.

“It’s probably too late for us, but hopefully this story will make others more circumspect about building projects their neighbours take on,” she says.

“Sometimes a simple shed morphs into something much bigger.”

Life is complicated.

Insurance doesn’t have to be.

Community Presentation

We are excited to welcome Marylou Hilliard, Partner, AGEWORKS, to Lookout Ridge to do a presentation on “Rethinking Ageism” on Thursday, July 26, starting at 6:30 PM in the Theatre (Lower Level). The presentation will run for approximately an hour and is FREE to the public. It will cover the following points: definition ◆ Examples of ageism against various generations ◆ Examples of ageism against older people ◆ Myth Busting ◆ Redefining Age Definitions ◆ Age-Inclusiveness

DON RICKERS PHOTO

Switch to State Farm and save up to 30%* on car insurance. ®

◆ Ageism-broadest

We’ll find the right coverage to fit your needs and advise you of opportunities for potential savings.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at 905-892-9218.

Better things are just around the corner.

CONTACT ME TODAY.

Thursday, July 26, 6:30 PM Marylou Hilliard, Partner AGEWORKS

Bob Kilyk, Agent 21 Highway 20 West Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Bus: 905-892-5721 bob.kilyk.cg8e@statefarm.com

IS BECOMING *Conditions apply.

Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance or Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company, underwriter of life insurance products.

Desjardins Insurance and related trademarks are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence.

www.lookoutridge.ca 1505 Lookout Street, Fonthill

State Farm branded policies are underwritten by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company.

® State Farm and related trademarks and logos are registered trademarks owned by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance 1810924CN Company, used under licence by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company and certain of its affiliates.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

Page 15

SERVICE DIRECTORY Heating & & Cooling Cooling Heating

Electrical Electrical

ACB

Renovations Renovations

Plumbing

We Make House Calls!

Electrical

Fenwick Alex Bover-Master Electrician

THE PUMP DOCTOR

-ECRA #7003130 Service Upgrades • Energy Efficiency Upgrades Troubleshooting • New Wiring & Re-Wiring Commercial • Industrial • Residential

905.892.2655 1.800.676.4029

tel: 905-892-4988 Email:abover@cogeco.ca cell: 905-714-2145 for urgent calls

We Service All Makes And Models

Automotive

Heating & Cooling

ROBERT WILLIAMS PLUMBING & HEATING LIMITED

Advertising

Top Soil Top Soil

The Voice

Screened Organic

TOP SOIL

Our readers could be your customers. Tell them why they should choose you!

905-734-4870 also Crushed Stone

Delivery or Pick-Up

Call (905) 892-8690

DiMartile Farms

advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

Over 75 years supplying soil to the Niagara area

Landscaping Landscaping

Landscaping

Landscaping

Landscaping

LANDSCAPES Inspired By Your LIFESTYLE

l

905.892.6908 www.dekorteslandscaping.com

Steven& & Ryan Ryan Van Lochem Steven Van Lochem Owners/Operators

799 Balfour St, Fenwick

Concrete Supplies Concrete Supplies

874 Hwy # 20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 874 Hwy #20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 874 Hwy # 20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 l Landscape Construction l Driveways, Patio & Walkways Landscape Design l Landscape Design l Landscape Construction l Driveways, Patio & Walkways l Natural Stone l Retaining Walls l Outdoor Wood Projects l Natural Stone l Retaining Walls l Outdoor Wood Projects l Water l Water Features Outdoor Lighting Features ll Outdoor Lighting

Owners/Operators Phone: 905.892.2188 • www.naturesownidea.com

Plumbing Plumbing

Power Equipment

Phone: 905.892.2188 • www.naturesownidea.com

Advertising

The Voice

Our readers could be your customers. Tell them why they should choose you!

Niagara’s Complete Concrete Contractor (905) 262-2000

or Toll free

1-800-881-1628

cottoninc.ca

residential • commercial • farm 905-386-6483 • 905-651-8558

Motorcycles, ATVs, Power Equipment, Snowblowers, Sales, Service, Parts & Accessories, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM ● www.clarescycle.com

Irrigation Systems

Roofing

Licenced plumber & gas fitter with 25 years experience www.joesplumbingniagara.ca

Landscaping

799 Hwy 20, Fenwick, ON

905-892-2664

Call (905) 892-8690

advertising@thevoiceofpelham.ca

Swimming Pools WE DO IT ALL FROM START TO FINISH!

QUALITY POOLS & SPAS:

OVERBEEKE LANDSC APES •

INTERLOCK • PLANTING NATURAL ROCK • FENCING TREE SERVICE • REGRADING

Inground • Onground • Above-ground

Plus: Decking, Patios, Interlocking, Retaining Walls & Custom Design

905-892-5717 2601 Hwy 20 E, Fonthill

905-736-8327

mylesoverbeekelandscapes@gmail.com

Places of Worship and Events Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick

First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., North Pelham

Glad Tidings Church of God 1 Pancake Lane, Fonthill

Pelham Evangelical Friends Church 940 Haist St., Fonthill

Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill

Fonthill Baptist Church 1414 Pelham St., Fonthill

Holy Trinity Anglican Church 1557 Pelham Street, Fonthill

Ridgeville Bible Chapel 418 Canboro Rd., Ridgeville

Fenwick Church of Christ 765 Welland Rd., Fenwick

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill

Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill

St. Alexander’s Roman Catholic Church 50 Pelham Town Sq., Fonthill

Fenwick United Church 1050 Church St., Fenwick

Fonthill United Church 42 Church Hill, Fonthill

Pelham Community Church 461 Canboro Rd., Fenwick

St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church 834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick

IN THE NEWS continued from Page 2 Dave Augustyn. James Lane, Richard Rybiak, Sidney Beamer, and Marianne Stewart are also running for a Ward 1 seat.

Lisa Haun in for Ward 3

Pelham native and resident of Fonthill, Lisa Haun, 42, has filed to run for council in Ward 3. A professional Emergency Manager currently employed by the Ministry

of Transportation, Haun earlier worked in B.C. Haun faces incumbent John Durley (interviewed in this issue, page 3).

Rybiak back in for Ward 1

Incumbent Councillor Richard Rybiak has filed for re-election in Ward 1. Rybiak was first elected to council in 2011.

Deadline to file

The deadline to file nomination papers for October’s municipal election is this

Friday, July 27, at 2 PM. Niagara Regional councillors and chair, Pelham and other municipal councillors and mayors, and Niagara school board trustees are all up for election on October 22.

Community Centre open

The Meridian Community Centre officially opened its doors last Friday. The building features adaptable and multi-purpose community rooms, a double gymnasium, an indoor walking/running track, See IN THE NEWS next page

Folks, in honour of Premier Ford's appearance at Summerfest, we've rolled back our prices and understanding of healthy eating by 20 years. More lard?

Page 16

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

COMMUNITY EVENTS & CLASSIFIEDS

Place your ad by email or phone office@thevoiceofpelham.ca Hours: Mon-Thurs, 8 AM - 2 PM (905) 892-8690

EXTEND YOUR REACH - ADVERTISE PROVINCIALLY OR ACROSS THE COUNTRY! For more information visit www.ocna.org/network-advertising-program

VACATION/TRAVEL

EMPLOYMENT OPPS.

ADVERTISING

FINANCIAL SERVICES

MORTGAGES

$$ CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT NOW $$ School District No. 27

Small Arctic Cruise Ship Expeditions

Come live and work in beautiful Williams Lake, BC.

THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE 2018 Summer Departures Still Available Northwest Passage Expedition departures still available mid August and September 2018. This oncein-a-lifetime adventure charts the courses made famous by history's great explorers--Rae, Amundsen, and Franklin. Along the way, marvel at the region's rugged and spectacular landscapes while searching for the enigmatic wildlife that calls the North home. Learn from regional experts including culturalists, naturalists, artists, and musicians.

For More Information: www.adventurecanada.com Email: info@adventurecanada.com TOLL-FREE: 1-800-363-7566 14 Front St S. Mississauga (TICO REG # 04001400)

PERSONALS ALL YOU NEED is love. Great job, great friends, great "stuff"? All that's missing is someone great to share it with. MISTY RIVER INTRODUCTIONS will help you find the right one.

CALL (416)777-6302, (705)734-1292, www.mistyriverintros.com.

Experience the wildlife, landscape and four seasons all while living affordably!

French Immersion Teachers • 9 extra paid days off per year • relocation allowance • all benefits per collective agreement For full details & to apply visit: Page www.sd27.bc.ca/new-job-postings/

HOME OWNER LOANS FOR ANY PURPOSE!!

REACH MILLIONS OF CUSTOMERS IN ONTARIO WITH ONE EASY CALL! Your Classified Ad or Display Ad would appear in weekly newspapers each week across Ontario in urban, suburban and rural areas.

14

For more information Call Today 647-350-2558, Email: kmagill@rogers.com

Pay down other high interest debt!

Bank turn downs, Tax or Mortgage arrears, Self-Employed, Bad Credit, Bankruptcy - We Can Help! Even in extreme situations of bad credit.

Borrow: $50,000 $100,000

Ad booking and payment deadline is Thursday Noon prior to week of publication.

Payment may be made over the phone by credit card, or in person at our office by cash or check.

Thanks for supporting your Voice! office@thevoiceofpelham.ca

905-892-8690

Support your local service clubs

!!Decrease monthly payments up to 75%!!

Based on 5% APR. OAC

ing grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos blend boundlessPRAYERS energy with the unmistakable joie de vivre found only in traditional Quebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m. FRUIT FARM/GENERAL

Prayer: to St. Jude. Say this prayer nine times a day. By the eighth day FARM LABOURER your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Looking for seasonal/ loved and preserved throughout the world. O Sacred Heart of Jesus, time help.

Make six cards with fall themes, learning a variety of full techniques.

Materials Applicant must be able pray for us: St. Jude worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, helper of work min.

40-60 are provided.

At time of registration, please enquiretoabout tools needed. the helpless pray for us. CM hours/week in any Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead.

Visitconditions www.pelhamweather and weekends.Lifting 50 lbs library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 for more details. comfortably is required.

HOUSECLEANING Jobs included pruning, House Cleaning available, weekly or bi-weekly. Call 905-892-4906.

Planting trees, thinning FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY and harvesting fruit, and sorting Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the packing community.

Haddock, fruit. No Experience CUSTOM MILL required.

No Education french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. required, Must have Portable sawmill service.

Classified Ads own transportation. Min I will come to your home or farm andOCNA custom Network mill your logs. wage $14.00/hour.

Firewood & lumber alsoHOCKEY available. (AD Call Rob Patterson,SALE CENTRAL) PELHAM MINOR EQUIPMENT Please drop resume 905-401-4948, riverwood@primus.ca off at 825 Canboro Rd, Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena.

Aimed to provide Week of Fenwick Ontario L0S cheaper options for playersJuly in this upcoming season.

Runs Sept.

6 from 1C0 23

FITNESS 9-12 in the morning.

Beautiful Mind Personal Training forPosted Women and Girls Private Home Studio in Fonthill. Build Strength and Endurance with July 19 PELHAM SarahMUDFEST Rose, Personal Training Specialist.

1 on 1 Training, Semi-Private Training and Fitness Classes. and women back in the mud as the For Men more information Pleasewill Emailbe Sarah at beautifulmindtraining@ Central or Text or Call 905-701-2460 held at gmail.com Bissil’s Hideaway.

Region Ads included

Break and enter

THE VOICE of

LARGER AMOUNTS AVAILABLE

$50K YOU PAY: $208.33 / MONTH (OAC) Pelham Wednesday, August

27, 20

CLA

No Income, Bad Credit Power of Sale Stopped!!!

Gar

7 SPRUC FONTHIL items, c clothes an sonable, 30, 8AM-3

Yard & SALE, Bricklaying, tuckpointing, of Christ decoratio step repair, granite coatings, brick slices items, SA 1PM 62 P18-28 905-682-7061.

FLOORING NORTH P

Burke’s Masonry

Community Event Classified ads are available in blocks of 30 words for $10 incl. HST.

A financial institution in the 1000

Pay Monthly: $268 $537

1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGES Debt Consolidation Refinancing, Renovations Tax Arrears, No CMHC Fees

Services

Tell the town!

two NHL-sized ice surfaces, concessions, a retail space, an atrium, office space, and free Wi-Fi. During hours of operation—7 AM to 10 PM, seven days a week—all spaces that do not require renting will be fully available.

According to a Town news release, a grand opening will take place in September. To book a rental online, visit: www.pelham.ca/facility-rental.

For more information on the community centre, visit: www.pelham.ca/mcc.

CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT NOW!!!

COMMUNITY Events

Putting on an event?

continued from previous page

AND

WANTED MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! BETTER OPTION MORTGAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION In-demand career! Employers WA N T E D : O L D T U B E A U D I O FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY NOW BY have work-at-home positions EQUIPMENT. 40 years or older.

CALL TODAY TOLL-FREE: PHONE OR ONLINE: available. Get online training Amplifiers, Stereo, Recording you need from an employer-trusted and Theatre Sound Equipment.

1-800-282-1169 1-888-307-7799 program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT Hammond Organs,COMPUTER any condition. CLINIC PELHAM LIBRARY’S or 1-855-768-3362 to start training CALL Toll-Free 1-800-947-0393 / 519www.mortgageontario.com f o r y o u r w o r k - a t - h o m e c a“One-to-One reer 853-2157 Help” with a volunteer tech www.ontario-widefinancial.com tutor. Get help with web browsing, Excavating contractor. today!

ONTARIO-WIDE FINANCIAL (Licencesewer # 10969) upgrades, webmail accountFOR set-up, e-books, social media, editing and sharing your Water, 1801347inc SALE FSCO Licence BUSINESS OPPS. photos SAWMILLS and more. Includes of laptop or BYOG (bring #12456 your own gadget). foundation repair, water from onlyuse $4,397 proofing, drainage systems, T R O U B L E W A L K I N G ? Saturdays H I P MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY WE AREin HERE TO HELP !! per 1/2 12:30 – 3:30.

Register and pay!! ahead person. $5.00 O R K N E E R E P L A C E M E N T ? with your own bandmill - Cut quarry stone supply, placehour. Visit www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca These & other medical conditions lumber any dimension. In stock or call 905-892-6443 for more details. ment. 905-384-1972. P18-23 t h a t c a u s e R e s t r i c t i o n s i n ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: Wa l k i n g o r D r e s s i n g A L L O W S www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT FOR THE FOLLOWING: $2,000 1-800-567-0404 Ext:400OT. FONTHILL BANDSHELL PRESENTS DE TEMPS ANTAN Yearly Tax Credit and a $40,000 Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have Tax Refund/Rebate. For Expert Help CALL TODAY TOLL-FREE: been exploring and performing time-honoured melodies from the stomp1-844-453-5372.

Community Events Listings

IN THE NEWS

LOWER YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENTS

qr

second run on the year is

EXHIBITION block of Pelham Street NIAGARA was broken REGIONAL and contents were stolen.

This ad is toheadline be printed byyears all participating Ontario into on July 16 in the early hours of Rodeo, games and live entertainment this exciting 2 Voice Routes Available inevent.

Fonthill: It the morning. Police say that nothing Bike theft Route 3 – Berkwood Pl, Berkhout runs from Sept.On 11-14 Welland Fairgrounds. was taken. Investigation is ongoing.

July at 19,the police say that two biTerr, Dogwood Crt, North side of

cycles were stolen out of a residential Deverardo Dr, Trillium Crt, Magnolia Thefts from vehicles garage in the 30 block of Port RobCrt, several homes on Haist St – 86 BIG MOVE RIDE On July 17 a vehicle was entered in CANCER inson Road.

Taken were two men's homes the 1500 block of Lookout A bikes, Sportek TheStreet.

Big Move Cancer Rideand is aCCM. non-competitive ride taking place on Sept.

Route 38 - Stella St, Beachwood parking permit was stolen.

7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support Walker Cres, Verathe St, John St, KundaFamPk Police say that the owner of a vehiFalse 9-1-1 Calls Blvd – 100 homes cle parked at a house under ily construcCancer Centre.

On Wednesday July 18, between tion in the 100 block of Port Robinson 4:30 PM and 9:30 PM, police say that Road reported a large Dewalt bag of a Thorold man placed a total of eight WALKING power and hand tools stolen on July CLUB 9-1-1- calls to report a non-emergen18. cy matter.

After the initial which Interested in walking in Pelham?

Join call them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena Also on July 18 a vehicle was entered officers deemed unfounded, the indifrom of 9-10 at a residence in the 1300 block Pel-am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There ham Street. Police say that purse See INFor THEmore NEWS next page is noa fee for this program. information, please contact jcook@

Josh DeHaan Flooring “For all your flooring needs”

We offer in-stock specials: • pre-finished hardwood

flooring solid, engineered from $2/ft2 • laminate flooring from $.89/ft2 • carpet and vinyl flooring from $4.95/yd2 • fibre flooring from $1/ft2 • ceramic tile from $.89/ft2 ...and other specials!

Call us to see the products that are available & visit our showroom.

Phone: 905-892-7898 Fax: 905-892-4811

No Sunday Calls, Please TF

Attention!

papers

Great for students, children, adults, seniors, and everyone who likes fresh air and exercise.

PAPER ROUTES AVAILABLE! Call (905) 892-8690

pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329.

STA

“ TU

Y VIN

CA

PLA

GA

SA

AD W

w

CA

905.8

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

IN THE NEWS continued from previous page vidual was cautioned and spoken to regarding the proper use of the 9-1-1 system, however, he continued to call 9-1-1 for the same matter throughout the evening. Charged with one count of Public Mischief is 72-year-old Robert Lubeck of Thorold. Lubeck was released from custody on an Appearance Notice with a future court date.

ATM theft

On July 15, at approximately 4:20 AM, suspects driving a white raised 4-door pickup truck with tinted windows, possibly a Chevy 2500 diesel, fled from the Canadian Tire Gas Bar, 777 Niagara Street, Welland, dragging an ATM machine behind it, causing a great deal of sparks as it proceeded. Police say that

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

the suspects drove west down Woodlawn Road, making their way through Niagara College and west down Canboro Road toward Victoria Avenue, Pelham.

Police are requesting assistance in identifying the suspects and the pickup truck involved, specifically the vehicle license plate.

Region says that in consultation with local media and other municipalities, it has “approved new policies and taken comprehensive steps to ensure that best practices are followed in respect of the conduct of council meetings.”

Some of the recent policies and procedures approved by Council include: • Amendments to the Corporate Media Relations Policy" • Approving recruitment of a Sergeant-at-Arms, similar to local area municipalities, in management of public spaces and council chambers during council meetings • Approving the use of an ante-room for closed-session meetings at a cost of approximately $50,000, derived from the 2018 Facilities Management capital budget • Approving "Manage-

New meeting policies at Region In response to widespread public and press condemnation of the Region’s confiscation of a reporter’s laptop and a citizen blogger’s recording device during a closed-door Regional Council meeting last December, the Region has announced changes in the way it handles public meetings.

Through a news release, which came on the heels of a critical Ontario Ombudsman’s report last week, the

ment of Personal Items, Equipment and Disruptive Behaviour Prior to a Closed Session of Council or Committee Policy" • Instituting a new procedural checklist and policies for entering In Camera portions of Regional Council and committee meetings • Approving a "Corporate Video Surveillance Policy" • Updating Niagara Region’s Procedural Bylaw to enhance the procedures that inform the process of meetings According to the release, “Niagara Region is committed to ensuring that there is safe and orderly access to all public meetings.”

See IN THE NEWS next page

Page 17

READY WHEN YOU ARE

Sales

•

Service

•

Parts

HEAVY DUTY GARDEN TRACTOR starting at

1,999

$

husqvarna.ca 2514 Hwy. 20 E Fonthill Mon - Fri 8am to 5pm Sat 8am to 12pm

905-892-3041

www.picsmotorclinic.com

ART SHOWCASE AND SALE PELHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY 43 Pelham Town Square, Fonthill AUGUST 1 - 17, 2018 Artwork will be on display during regular library hours Featuring the work of three local artists: Marjorie Dorant, Christina Drummond, Dianne Pals Artists available to discuss their work and facilitate sales: Wed., August 8, 2:30 - 4:30 I Mon., August 13, 10 - 12 noon Large selection of unique original art available for purchase 15% OF ALL SALES DONATED TO LIBRARY

OPENING RECEPTION Fri., August 3, 2018 5 pm - 8 pm

Fonthill Plaza (905) 892-5443

Locally Grown Fresh Watermelon

Nature Lovers Garden Centre and Farm Outlet 906 Highway 20 W (647) 964-3747

FENWICK Y Z

1010 Foss Road (647) 782-5724

WE GROW ...in coco peat

FFs, Trees O % ial

50 Perenn all

...on the farm

bs

ru & Sh

ANNUALS 99¢ each

urd ian o s G A ality s: Tinda Round i c e Sp table er & b e m Veg n Cucu a Indi

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, 8 AM - 7 PM

Corner of Foss & Victoria

Page 18

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

GALE continued from Page 8

Richard

Brown

Office: 905-892-0222

Cell: 905-651-5143

rbrown@royallepage.ca • www.homesniagara.com

1815 Merrittville Hwy, Unit 1, Fonthill, Ontario

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

“Selling Throughout Niagara”

Goodman’s Florist www.amongtheflowers.ca

Your Extra Touch Florist 644 South Pelham Rd, Welland, ON 905-732-2481

Certified Transistion & Relocation Services

Certified • Bonded Insured

THE PACKING PEOPLE ... and so much more!  Downsizing  De-cluttering  Packing/Unpacking/Setup  Free Estimates

905-933-0730

www.seniorsonthemoveniagara.com seniorsonthemoveniagara@gmail.com

OPEN!

18 HOLE MINI GOLF ($4.99 + tax) DRIVING RANGE (10 Large Baskets with Punching Coupon $50 + tax)

PINERIDGE 18 HOLE MINI GOLF & DRIVING RANGE 7:30 am - dusk

- Buy & Sell Used Golf Clubs - Re-Grip - Teaching - Club Repair

(905) 384-4471 Hwy 20 & Merrittville Hwy

(Turner’s Corners) Beside Tim Horton’s

ki’s resignation. “Once you hit send, you can’t take it back. Twitter is a killer. I don’t use it, or Facebook,” Gale told the Voice.

Comments made by some of his colleagues on Regional Council stung Gale.

“The Mayor of St. Catharines [Walter Sendzik] was approached by the Standard for comment within twenty-four hours of McGuire’s retirement package announcement, and [Sendzik] said it was ‘Shocking mismanagement by the police services board,’” bristled Gale.

“He said this without knowing a thing, without asking me a question. There is collegial courtesy with a lot of the councillors at the Region, but not all. Some wanted to bury my board on this.”

Gale is quick to heap praise on the NRP uniformed leadership.

“We have a dynamic senior command team. I am so proud of Chief Bryan MacCulloch and Deputy Chiefs Bill Fordy and Brett Flynn,” said Gale.

“Fordy was from the RCMP—he was a hire for which I and the police board took a lot of flak. The former chief didn’t want to hire from outside. Morale on the force right now is through the roof. Our chief, who was hired from within the force, is a real good guy, a reason-

IN THE NEWS continued from previous page

More arrests in Port

Investigators from the Sexual Assault Unit, Child Abuse Unit and Domestic Violence Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding alleged neglect and abuse

HAT continued from Page 3

DRAMA

CLASSES FOR KIDS!

Thursday

NIGHTS

6-14 YRS

HERE IN FONTHILL!

TO REGISTER VISIT:

WWW.CRANKYBEARDRAMA.COM

able guy, respected by all the people around him. We have American police officers coming over here to train with us—scuba, canine units. We are second to none with our service here.”

According to Gale, senior staff convinced the board that they could neutralize the payout to McGuire over three years, based on a plan to replace front-line officers on duty at the headquarters’ service desk with four re-purposed civilian employees, who earn considerably less than a first-class constable is paid in salary and benefits.

This move should save $200,000 per year, according to a 2018 police newsletter.

Additionally, hiring eight more officers is expected to bring down overtime costs significantly.

“We couldn’t hire eight officers this year, because the Police College in Aylmer was packed. So we hired four this year, and we’ll hire four next. We’ll see $300,000 in overtime savings this year,” said Gale.

The net cost of the program is $304,309.

The NRP ran a $7 million dollar deficit in 2017.

“We had huge accumulated reserves, which we used to pay it down,” said Gale.

The deficit included $2.4 million in compensation for front-line officers achieved through arbitration, overtime and sick leave, and the ex-chief’s retirement

“Jim and I became great friends,” said Hatt.

“He died a few years ago. We dedicated a plaque in his honour at the cemetery which reads, ‘In memory of Jim Green, our groundskeeper.’ Jim was a consummate professional, and a source of great encouragement during the

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca package.

“I’m very proud of the wage hike under 2% that my board has managed through tough and innovative arbitration. Compare that to the wage increase over the past 20 years,” he said. The total police budget will climb 4% next year.

Community policing is a priority for Chief MacCulloch, says Gale.

“It started in Port Colborne, with business people and citizens pleaded for officers not to go back to the station to write their reports. They wanted them to write the reports in the cruiser, parked visibly on the street. It deters crime.

The chief and deputies have gone to every detachment to say, ‘We want you out in the community.’ Officers need to park the cruiser and go for a walk through the neighbourhoods, meet the merchants and residents.”

Gale applauds the outreach programs the NRP has initiated with young people.

“We won’t take officers out of schools, even though they’ve done that in Toronto. Our officers go from school to school, meet the students. It’s so valuable.

We have a huge opioid crisis. Deputy Chief Fordy has said, ‘We can’t arrest our way out of this.’ Back when I was a cop, we just arrested everybody. Today we know that education and sound parenting are critical.”

Police work is expensive business.

that took place in Port Colborne over the last 20 years.

As a result, a third and fourth arrest have been made. On Tuesday, July 17, police arrested 50-year-old William Vorstenbosh, of Port Colborne. Vorstenbosh is facing the alleged charges of sexual assault, and sexual exploitation of a person with a disability.

On Thursday, July 19, police arrest-

fight to save this pioneer cemetery.”

Hatt said the developer wanted to dig up the burial ground with excavators and bulldozers, and deposit the contents unceremoniously in a corner of the subdivision.

“So much for respect for the dead.”

Thankfully, the Hamilton planning department would not issue a permit to the developer until the issue was

“Every major investigation costs us probably a million dollars. It’s a necessary evil,” said Gale.

“The mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake [Pat Darte] is asking for more officers.

I tell him that staffing is based on crime in your area, not tax levels. Do the math.

If we dedicate another officer in a car 24/7, that’s four we need [based on four 12-hour shifts per week per officer] at $125,000 a pop.

Half a million bucks, plus the cost of the vehicle and training.”

Thankfully, crime in Niagara is on a downward trend. The only type of crime that is increasing is internet crime, said Gale.

The NRP had 316 frontline officers in 2017, and will have 324 this year. A police newsletter indicates that 395 officers were on staff in 1980.

“That’s the year I left the force. Money seemed to grow on trees in those days—that’s how deficits grew,” said Gale.

“My biggest complaint [to the media] is if you’re just going to keep coming up with this $870,000, then you’re just out to bury us. We knew that eventually we’d come out of the deficit. We waited. We wanted the Chief to prove what he could do.

I didn’t want this to come out years from now when I’m a public citizen, when some people say, ‘Hey, you screwed us out of $870,000,” and I’d have no way to explain the real story.” ◆

ed 70-year-old Shane Ayres, of Port Colborne. Ayres is facing the alleged charges of sexual assault two counts.

Both men were held in custody pending bail hearings.

Police encourage anyone with information to call 289-248-1035 or contact them via email at matthew. hodges@niagarapolice.ca.

resolved.

An archaeologist was brought on site, who identified 99 grave shafts, 60 being small shafts (for children). Cholera and malaria epidemics are documented in the area in the early 1800s.

Rich Hatt and his wife Cathy presented a petition with 5,000 signatures to the Ontario Legislature in 2010, requesting that all cemeteries in the province be pre-

served and protected.

“The late MPP Peter Kormos was the only local politician willing to support the petition,” said Hatt. “It went all the way to the Ontario Municipal Board for a hearing, thanks to an MPP from Ottawa named Jim Brownell, and they ruled in our favour and preserved the cemetery. The developer was forced to move a road, and he lost a couple building lots.”

Nick Carnicelli was one of the developers of the Sulphur Springs Development in Ancaster, which impacted the cemetery.

“We had lots of arguments, but also some good meetings,” said Hatt. “In the end he told us he would make the cemetery the focal point of the development, and he kept his word.”

The rededication ceremony took place in September 2016. Richard Hatt II’s headstone is back on the cemetery grounds. The land is deeded to the City of Hamilton, which looks after its maintenance.

The Ontario Historical Society’s awards are given to those who have contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of the province’s heritage.

Rich Hatt now has his place in history.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018

Page 19

ACT NOW: Become a Member of the Voice Join our Membership Benefits Program

Voice Voice on vacation! on vacation!

Independent, award-winning, investigative journalism.

The Voice

Larry “BILKO” Bilkszto Your Local Sales Representative 905-563-3330 • 905-641-1110

THE PAPER THAT PELHAM READS

RE/MAX® Garden City

Help us bring it to you.

Become a Subscribing Member of the Voice.

Receive the benefits below and more, provided by ON NOW! our generous community partners, who share our commitment to bring you informative news, features, and analysis.

Realty Inc., Brokerage

www.bilko.ca

bilko@rgcmail.com

E s t a b lis h e d 19 97

Easily enjoy $300 in benefits for $39.95 including HST

Voice Member benefits include: ■ Coupons and gift cards shown at left ■ Six free Classified ads ($60 value; private advertisers only)

$10 Gift Card

■ Periodic special offers from local businesses sent exclusively to Voice Members

$10, unlimited same-as-cash We’ll be open on Christmas Eve, coupon 10 AM to 1 PM, for pickup

■ Exclusive link to high-quality digital version of the paper every week

of pre-orders only.

Order by Dec. 15 for Christmas!

■ Automatic qualification to receive future gifts as more businesses join the program $100 off of any 2018-2019 river cruise Free one-time delivery of new purchase, $40 value

GrillononCanboro Canboro Grill 11 Highway 20 West, Fonthill (905) 892-9466 Hours: 8-3; FA M I LY RTA E SSat, UN RT ANT FA M ITues-Fri, LY RES UTA R 8-2.

A WWW.GRILLONCANBORO.COM WWW.GRILLONCANBORO.COM www.indulgencepastries.com

COME CHECK OUR CHECK OUR 10% offCOME purchases ofOUT $20OUT or more

2020

S MS MITE ITEW NEWNE D!DED! AD ADDE

NEWMENU MENU NEW

L.L L.L

FAMILY HEALTH PHARMACY 20% off of purchases of $20 or more.

(Not applicable to prescriptions or narcotic medications)

CO.

THE

SOUP & SANDWICH SOUP & SANDWICH SALADS BURGERS SALADS BURGERS WRAPS WINGS WRAPS WINGS

Possibly the finest pies in Pelham. You be the judge.

787 Canboro Rd. / Tue - Fri, 11 AM - 5:30 PM / Sat, 1 PM - 5PM

10% off purchases 905-892-1289of $20 or more

★ STARTS FROM ★ STARTS FROM 4.504.50 ★ ★

EGGS STYLE FRENCH TOAST EGGS ANYANY STYLE FRENCH TOAST BACON SAUSAGE PEAMEAL BACON SAUSAGE PEAMEAL OMELETTES PANCAKES WAFFLES OMELETTES PANCAKES WAFFLES MONTE CRISTOS MONTE CRISTOS +i dKsi dM s eM + Kpurchases ne uofn u 10% off giftware

$20 or more

LUNCH& &DINNER DINNER LUNCH ★ STARTS FROM ★ STARTS FROM 8.958.95 ★ ★

BURGERS NEW YORK STRIPLOIN WINGS BURGERS NEW YORK STRIPLOIN WINGS SANDWICHES FISH & CHIPS SANDWICHES FISH & CHIPS PITAS POUTINE WINGS PITAS POUTINE WINGS WRAPS SANDWICHES SOUPS WRAPS SANDWICHES SOUPS PORK CHOPS TERIYAKI PORK CHOPS TERIYAKI s eM + K +i dKsi dM ne u nu WRAPS SALADS WRAPS SALADS

10% off any service

66

55

$ $ $ $ ER BEO BE Y FR ILER A DIA DAILY FROM LS M LS IA EC ILS ILS E SPECSP E T IN IN WILY W CKOACKTA YA $ 95 95 DAILD $ L CO l C m m L ti 4ptil 4p PECIA PECIA

33

S

S

D

E E Y LIC Y LIC FULFLULL.B.O.B.O

7 IN D N 7WDAIN ER EE YN A D W AK SER EE Y K S

Free introductory workout session, $40Nvalue DSED SEN

ALLDAY DAYBREAKFAST BREAKFAST ALL

A

CANBORO ROAD @ MAPLE 905-892-9282 794794 CANBORO ROAD @ MAPLE 905-892-9282

10% off coupon

Three easy ways to join

1 In Person 2 By Mail 3 Online Visit or call our office.

We're located at 1428 Pelham Street, opposite Beamer's Hardware in Fonthill.

Send us a cheque for $39.95, made payable to "The Voice." Add optional Canada Post rates as applicable (see below).

Our hours are 8AM to 2PM, Monday to Thursday, closed Fridays.

You may use the coupon below, or just drop your cheque into an envelope.

Be sure to include your full street address, with postal code.

Payment may be made by cash, cheque, or credit card.

You may also call us during these hours at (905) 892-8690 to pay by credit card.

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca Look for the VOICE MEMBERSHIP button at the top left of the home page:

VOICE MEMBERSHIP

Your new Member Packet will be sent by Canada Post within 7 days of joining by mail or online. New Members joining in person will receive their packets on the spot.

The Voice

10% off purchases of $20 or more

Mail to: The Voice P.O. Box 1489 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Please do not send cash.

Quick and convenient: simply visit the Voice website and pay securely using a credit card.

1-YEAR VOICE MEMBERSHIP: $39.95

First and Last Name Delivery address with postal code 10% off purchases of $30 or more, Fonthill store only

15% off regular-priced parts, accessories, and apparel

W! W! NE NE

T

HE VOICE OF PELH A M is our town's eyes and ears.

This newspaper remains the single best way to reach virtually every Pelham resident at the same time every week—it’s one of the few things that everyone in town still has in common. Independent, trusted, locally owned and edited. Written in Pelham, for Pelham.

For less than $1 per week—the cost of a single coffee— you'll help your newspaper continue to report on what's happening in town, and in Town Hall. Become a Voice Member now.

Each week you will receive a link to the digital version of the paper. If you live on an existing Voice carrier route, you will continue to receive home delivery. If you do not live on an existing route, or wish to guarantee postal delivery, please choose from these additional options:

Optional: add guaranteed postal delivery:

❑ In Niagara: $49 ❑ In Canada: $59

Credit card number

Type: ___Mastercard ___Visa

Credit card expiration date

Credit card security code Please mail completed form to:

Telephone number where you may be reached during the day

Email address (optional, but required to receive special offers exclusive to Voice Members)

THE VOICE P.O. Box 1489 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 If paying by cheque, be sure to include it. Please do not send cash through the mail. Thank you for your subscription.

Page 20

COLUMN SIX continued from Page 1 Niagara West was the only Niagara riding won by the Conservatives in June’s provincial election. The riding encompasses Grimsby, Lincoln, Pelham, West Lincoln, Wainfleet, and a sliver of St. Catharines.

Ford’s progress through the crowd was slow. No sooner had one selfie been snapped when another cellphone appeared, attached to a waving hand.

The presence of celebrity provokes varying levels of euphoria—relatively restrained in the case of politicians, unhinged when it’s a boy band or television icon.

In Ford’s case, a mild but evident elation built as his entourage moved north along Pelham Street, the Premier careful to stop at each booth on the west side of the street, chatting up vendors, trying samples. After hiding during the morning, the sun was out and the air was heavy with heat.

Everyone was all-smiles, save the security detail and staffers, some of whom looked to be barely into their 20s. Ford periodically sipped from a plastic water bottle carried by an assistant. Small children watched quizzically—first eying Ford, then the people in the street aiming cameras and cellphones at him.

Alan Caslin, running for re-election as Regional Chair, and Dave Augustyn, running to unseat him, managed to find their way into a large percentage of fan photos, often snapped by Ford’s lead assistant, the only man at Summerfest wearing a suit. Augustyn, whose photo-bombing prowess is legendary, was the more persistent, tending to pop up in the background, time and again, Where’s Waldo-like.

Asked whether Ford was always subject to so many photo requests, another large OPP plainclothes officer in

The Voice of Pelham, July 25 2018 dark glasses nodded yes.

“Yesterday I was with Trudeau,” he said. “Even more. You come to expect it.”

One of Ford’s advance team approached the officer and spoke quietly about a man seen with a penknife, acting oddly. He was moved off of Pelham Street as a precaution.

Ford was received politely by vendors and the public, although a few festival-goers could be heard grumbling as they passed, distinctly uninterested in obtaining photographic evidence of a close encounter with Ontario’s new premier.

Social media reaction was similarly cool. At the time of this writing, only four in ten Facebook user comments, posted in reaction to a video of Ford’s arrival, were positive.

This mirrors the PCs’ June performance at polling stations located closest to Summerfest’s Pelham Street locale.

The Conservatives, via MPP Sam Oosterhoff, failed to win an outright majority in any of them, garnering an average of 43% of the vote.

At best on Saturday, Ford and Oosterhoff were strolling among an audience in which six out of 10 voted against them—especially factoring in visitors from elsewhere in NDP-dominated Niagara.

(The PCs’ worst Pelham result was at Shorthills Villa Retirement Community, where the Conservatives earned but 36% support. In raw numbers, the PCs did best in South Fonthill. While at 42% they still failed to obtain an outright majority, Oosterhoff earned exactly 666 votes. If that’s prophetic, the irony is inescapable.)

Yet #PelhamProudPragmatism tended to prevail. The election, after all, earned Niagara West a seat at a majority government table, which hasn’t happened since 1995.

Said Facebook user Jerry Cornelious, “Pelham is due! The area is a conservative strong-

www.thevoiceofpelham.ca

An OPP officer keeps an eye on Premier Doug Ford and MPP Sam Oosterhoff at Summerfest on Saturday. hold, and would not be given much by the Liberals. I am no fan of the right, but Ford should back ridings that always vote for his party.”

Under the arches on Pelham Town Square, Ford and Oosterhoff posed with a gaggle of teenage girls. From the stage, a singer belted out Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” the line, “And don’t go around breaking young girls’ hearts” nearly in sync with the snap.

As Ford and Oosterhoff slowly made their way forward, Mal Accursi, spouse of Town Councillor Gary Accursi, and Town Recreation Director Vicky Van Ravenswaay both took photos. Accursi’s camera looked equally capable of capturing Serengeti cheetahs at a thousand yards.

Teresa Quinlin, Town Treasurer, responded to the suggestion that Ford’s visit was a minor coup.

“This puts Pelham on the map,” said Quinlin.

On their way to a kiddie play area, Ford’s staff separated him and Oosterhoff

from the crowd for a brief press scrum in front of Town Hall, the press in this instance consisting of Niagara This Week and the Voice, plus a Ford staffer recording the conversation for posterity, and presumably accuracy.

Watching Ford work the crowd, and especially up close, it’s easy to understand why his team was confident this spring that bypassing the press during his campaign wouldn’t make much of a dent in his odds of winning.

His government may be about to set sexual education back a generation—to a prehistoric era before smartphones, social media, and same-sex marriage—but his manner is calmly reasonable.

Like the American president to whom he is so often compared, Doug Ford Jr. comes from a wealthy family and is rich, yet he manages to come across as “relatable” to us ordinaries, the ultimate accolade in retail politics.

At a distance of two feet, Ford is less imposing than one expects, and shorter, but

that’s normal. Fame flames expectations.

The coifed hair and unblinking eye contact are real enough. Ford restrains his smile, saving it like a reward. His tone is measured as he answers our questions, saying nothing unexpected, which was expected.

Ford expressed support for the local wine industry, saying that recent proposals to double the amount of liquor that consumers can take across provincial boundaries will help Niagara wine, beer, and spirits producers.

He echoed his campaign pledge to find efficiencies in provincial finances, including examining the past government’s spending with a “line-by-line audit.”

The most interesting moment came after the interview theoretically ended.

“Off the record,” Ford started, then changed his mind, saying that on the record was fine.

The last remarks he’d made were related to the proposed all-day GO Train extension to Niagara, which

RENOVATE

VOICE PHOTO

Ford said he continued to support, suggesting that an announcement on a firmer timetable could be coming by mid-August.

“You guys have probably heard about this,” he said, meaning his two-reporter audience. Ford said that during the campaign he’d heard persistent rumours of land purchases along the planned GO Train line, insider deals based on insider knowledge, the implication being that Liberal government officials tippedoff Liberal-friendly developers that it might not be a bad idea to buy parcel X in town Y, wink-wink.

Ford wasn’t wrong. Such rumours have been floating for several months. Rumours only, mind you, but interestingly consistent, and Niagara-centric.

“We’re going to look into that,” he said, smiling big, and with unmistakable pleasure. ◆ Have an adventure to share or a story to tell? Let us know. editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca

It’s Time for a SPRING Tune-up!

YOUR HOME

MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY

WITH LOUWES

ratures Tempe ing!! are ris

Financing & Rebates AVAILABLE!

Whether it’s new windows and doors or siding, soffit, fascia and eavestrough; it’s a great time to buy. North Star energy-efficient windows will save you money in the long term by keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter.

Call or visit our showroom today for a FREE ESTIMATE on your home!

FINANCING AVALABLE (OAC)

High efficiency Gas Furnace and Air Conditioning packages at GREAT PRICING!

BOB REID

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED

Heating & Air Conditioning RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL

905-892-7787

DUNNVILLE VETERINARY CLINIC Est. 1952 Closer than you think!

Same-day appointments

- Same-day test results, most while you wait - Large, well-established practice

ASK ABOUT OUR

905.562.5831

3435 King Street Vineland WINDOWS & SIDING SINce 1966 • WWW.lOuWeS.ca

WELLNESS PACKAGE 110 Ramsey Dr., Dunnville, ON N1A 1K8 Phone: (905) 774-7642 1-800-263-6496 vets@dunnvillevetclinic.com Mon - Fri: 8 AM to 6 PM • Sat: 8 AM to 2 PM • Closed Sunday

www.dunnvillevetclinic.com