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OPSEU calls out NPCA "bullying"
Column Six The First of July
Says systemic problems at Authority need addressing
BY SAMUEL PICCOLO
Special to the VOICE
I
BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
A faction of two dozen Ontario Public Service Employees Union protesters gathered outside the Ball’s Falls Centre for Conservation early last Wednesday morning to voice their disappointment and outrage with the actions of the Board of Directors at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, who were meeting inside. The group gathered more than an hour before the meeting began to make sure each of the Board members had a chance to walk the gauntlet of signs awaiting them. A few of the placards welcoming the Board members read, “NPCA Strategic Plan 2017: 1) Protect Developers 2) Hire more managers”, another declared, “NPCA, Stop Bullying Now”, another, “Poor Workplace Mental Health Affects Families Too!” OPSEU has been picketing the NPCA meetings each month since the start of the year to send a message to its Board of Directors that the community is still paying attention and they are not going away. OPSEU Local 294 President Erin Warman said she was there on behalf of the employees of the See NPCA back page
A questioning demonstrator outside the Balls Falls Centre last week.
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Effingham residents concerned over cell tower proposal BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
The Biglieri Group recently held a meeting in Council Chambers at Pelham Town Hall for residents and landowners in the vicinity of a proposed cell tower slated for construction on the east side of Effingham Street, north of Welland Road. Considering that notification of the meeting was sent out to only six households in the immediate area near where the tower may be located, there were only five individuals in attendance. Ruth and Rob Gabourie — two of the five who showed up to learn more about the proposed tower — left the meeting with an uneasy
Only property owners within 1,200 ft. of site notified of plan feeling about the idea of a tower being built so close to their property. “All they had to do by law was notify people with property within the distance of three times the height of the tower — so within around twelve hundred feet away from the tower,” said Rob. “They only sent out six letters, so I don’t think most people in Pelham
know what is going on.” The proposal by the Biglieri Group Ltd., on behalf of Wind Mobil, would allow for the construction of a 48-metre tall, lattice-style telecommunications tower to be built on the land next door to the Gabouries’ property. Although deemed safe by Health Canada under Safety Code 6, the radio frequency, or RF, emissions radiated by cell towers is listed by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer as Group 2B — possibly carcinogenic. Until further research is done proving the electroSee CELL TOWER Page 7
T’S THE FIRST OF JULY and there is something going on in the streets. There are clumps of people shuffling along the sidewalks all in the same direction, all carrying the same jumble of lawn chair, cooler, and hat. Others have already given up walking and, judging the present spot good enough, splayed their own seat out on its trembling limbs and begun to recline. Perhaps this is not a bad idea, since where the rest are heading the crowd seems to be denser. Following them, there is no loudening din that one encounters at a concert or similarly large spectacle, but there is a buzz of some perceptible sort. There is enough red to outfit a nation of matadors. “You only get three whacks, buddy,” a father says to his son, who is determinedly plonking at a high striker’s pad. “Why don’t you go over and jump around in that castle?” The boy trundles over to where other kids are lining up to climb through the inflated door and bounce about. His father follows him from a few paces back and, seeing that his son is safely––or unsafely––inside, sniffs the air. There are puffs of a fragrant smoke hovering, and he looks to where they are coming from. See COLUMN SIX Page 8
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The Voice of Pelham, July 26, 2017
PUBLISHER’S CORNER
NRPS officer arrested for assault
by Dave Burket
Fest success: Moku’s Restaurant had their best-ever single day of sales on Summerfest Saturday, despite not participating in the extended liquor license. “It was crazy busy inside,” reports co-owner Natalie Stickles, “but nothing like the street—wall-to-wall people. Our patio was full all night.” Stickles also says that there was better security and police presence this year, with “more solid metal fences in the back areas”… It probably wasn’t Agent Orange, anyway: Charlie the dog asks, “What weed-killers were used by the Town along roadsides in the 1950s and ‘60s?” We’ve passed along the question to Town Hall, but Charlie I wouldn’t hold my breath. That’s over four centuries ago in dog years, and human memories are fragile at the best of times… Give your purse a workout: Fonthill Curves is looking for a new owner, and if one isn’t found by next Friday, August 4, the female-geared facility will close its doors for good… Confidential to Francis D: Thank you for the kind words… A different look at Canada Day: Our resident literary stylist, Sam Piccolo, departed last week on a cross-country bicycle trek. He’s not sure how far west he’ll go, but he’s promised to check in via Timmy’s wi-fi every so often. In his Column Six piece this week, Piccolo offers a curious impression of our national holiday, written almost from the perspective of a visitor new to the planet. Coming a month after the event, its tone is somehow timeless… Stop monkeying with the bananas: Local wit and workout enthusiast Strange DeGym returned from cottage country last week to discover that the produce at his local grocery store had been rearranged—again. “They don’t do it at Wegman’s,” he grumbled. “If the Loonie was stronger I’d be over there in a snap!” I don’t know about Wegman’s, but “relining,” as it's known, is a common, and definitely annoying feature of grocery store marketing. Fonthill Sobeys owner Ron Kore says that it’s a corporate mandate, though one that usually applies only in limited areas...like fruits and veg. Sorry, Strange… Catch him if you can: For weeks we tried to nail down an interview with Dick Moore, founder of the LGBT-focused Seniors’ Pride Network, intending to run the story during the Gay pride month of June. Well, for a man in his 70s, he’s one active dude. Nate finally caught up with him, and his story is on page 3. By the way, our coverage of Gay issues, as well as Indigenous and climate-change-related stories, prompted one reader to angrily declare us a bastion of left-leaning hippies, in so many words, and emphatically requested that we not darken his mailbox further. This was shortly before we ran a recent letter to the editor angrily declaring us a bastion of right-leaning Ayn Randers. When you’re getting it from both sides you know you’re on the right track—or at least an equal opportunity dartboard!
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IN THE NEWS
In late May, the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) entered into an investigation after being contacted by a member of the public regarding an incident that occurred in Niagara-On-The-Lake. As a result of the investigation, on July 19, Niagara Regional Police Constable Dan Johnson was arrested and charged with the alleged offence of assault. The incident occurred while the officer was off duty and involved a dispute with a person known to him. It is alleged that during this dispute Constable Johnson assaulted the male. Johnson has been released on an Officer in Charge Undertaking. He has a future court date in the Ontario Court of Justice on August 30. Johnson has been a police officer with the NRPS for 29 years. In accordance with the Police Services Act of Ontario, he has been suspended with pay pending further investigation. As the matter is now before the courts, police say that no further comment or details will be provided.
Bear Sushi is coming to Welland
The sushi restaurant Bear Sushi is coming to Seaway Mall. The restaurant will be located across from Ernie Allen Court and Bank of Montreal beside Health Wise, nearest to the main entrance of the mall. Con-
nuses or pay back corporate loans, leaving hard-working staff and their families out—that’s wrong. Current laws allow companies entering bankruptcy to pay out bonuses and all its other debt first, pushing workers’ pensions and any other money they’re owed to the back of the line. Despite her own MPPs supporting the NDP motion for a change to that law, Premier Wynne balked at the idea of helping the workers, according to the NDP, saying “there isn’t a role for the government.”
struction has begun on the 670 sq. ft. unit and opening is anticipated for October.
NDP: Sears should fund pensions, not bonuses
Sears Canada has been given court approval to begin liquidation sales at the 59 locations it plans to close—no Niagara stores are among them— the proceeds of which Ontario’s NDP says should fund Sears’ employees pensions first, not executive bonuses or debts to large firms. According to a press release, the Ontario NDP has demanded legal changes so that when a company is entering bankruptcy, current and former employees are the first in line to get paid the pensions they’re owed, not last. A year ago, New Democrats were successful in passing a motion at the provincial legislature on the subject, but Premier Wynne did not act on it. “Workers have spent years paying into their pension plans and earning contributions to those plans. It’s their money,” said NDP Pensions Critic Paul Miller. “For a company to be able to take that money and pay executive bo-
2021 Canada Games Host Society announcement
T he 13 members of the 2021 Canada Games Host Society Board of Directors, as well as the board chair, received unanimous approval from Regional Council at their recent meeting. Doug Hamilton, former chair of the Niagara Bid Group, was approved as chair of the 2021 Canada Summer Games Host Society Board of Directors. Other community members who were approved to participate on the board include: Tom Arkell, Associate VP of University Services, Brock University Mary De Sousa, Executive VP of Marketing and Communications, FirstOntario Credit Union Dino DiCienzo Jr., President of Canadian Niagara See IN THE NEWS Page 11
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Column Six
Haist Street traffic-calming measure a little too effective
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Column Six
Growing up British Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation
Vol.20 No.32
Wednesday October 12, 2016
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Apple Day comes to Fonthill
BY JULIE MANNELL
Special to the VOICE
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BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3. NATE SMELLE PHOTO
Public meeting tonight on school issues BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick. Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-
Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation. DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be
“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime. Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. “We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page
HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin. My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries. Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town. This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation. On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque. “This tree looks dead,” I said to my father. “It sure is getting there, Julie.” The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14
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
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to improve the 2017 Summerfest is by sponsoring and working with the organizers of the Thursday Night Bandshell Concert series to select the artist performing on the first night of Summefest. They also intend to make more use of the smartphone app they launched in 2016. "We are really going to push it this year," Ashbee said. “It really helps to get people to see what events there are so they can plan out where they are going. We will be able to actually help the merchants and local businesses adSee CHANGES Page 5
FTER LUNCH ON Saturday, Mum and Dad had my afternoon cut out for me. Mum had more brass than anyone I knew, and it had to be cleaned. In addition there was the set of silver fish-knives and forks which were never used, but which had to be cleaned and put back in their velvetlined box. Next was a walk to the newsagents to pay for the daily delivery of the Daily Mirror. As I said, Dad was a printer, but when he was 37 he had been rejected for a job, as being too old, by the printers of the Beano. For that reason, my favourite comic was not allowed in the house, but while I was paying the papers, the newsagent let me have a 'shoofty' at the Beano. I'd explained my predicament and he understood completely. Sundays were different again. Dad would play golf on summer mornings and billiards in winter. Then he'd stop for a 'refresher' at the local and would pick up the prawns, cockles, winkles or whelks we'd be having for tea later. Meanwhile, Mum was roasting the 'joint' and potatoes. I got to make the Yorkshire pud, and mint
BY VOICE STAFF
See COLUMN SIX Page 14
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While shopping in Fonthill between Friday and Sunday, keep an eye out for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts in front of local stores with bushels of apples. As part of the annual Apple Day campaign, Scouting youth of all ages will be trading apples for donations. The yearly fundraising drive is an important way for young Scouts to connect with the communities they are serving, says Leah Marie of Scouts Canada. “The Apple Day campaign holds a great tradition of being able to have youth interacting within the communities they live in,” she says. “All of the Apple Day donations stay directly within the group that re-
The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and well-rounded individuals
ceives them, enabling youth to have experiences that build character, challenge them, and allow them to try new things. The goal is to have these youth develop into confident and wellrounded individuals, better prepared for success. Apple Day helps to achieve that.”
“Any money raised during Apple Day goes towards improving the Scouting program by providing more outdoor adventures for youth, camping equipment, canoes and paddles, training and many other endeavours that the youth want to experience,” says Marie. Scouts Canada has some 100,000 members across Canada, and carries out programs for boys, girls
Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept. 19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-
walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later. After delivering to Council a petition containing
Many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later the names of 450 students calling for a safer walk to school, Simpson handed the
podium over to Loewen and Williams to plead their case. Loewen told Council that because there are a lot of students who have work placements and coop placements during the school year, this is the only route for many of them to travel. As one of the students facing this predicament, Williams said she has had no other option but to walk along the dangerous highway.
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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
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Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. SUPPLIED PHOTO
A longtime Canadian tradition, Apple Day began in 1932 in Saint John, New Brunswick, when Scouts handed out 21,000 apples as a way to say thank you to the community. In return for their generosity, many people offered them donations. From then on Scouts have reached out through Apple Day to raise funds for their programs.
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Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn
Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932
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BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the
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In an effort to bring further attention and deterrence to driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, the Niagara Regional Police Service reports the names of those people who are charged with an alleged criminal impaired driving offence in the Region. None of the following charges have been proved in court. In addition to being charged, these individuals are also bound by a Ministry of Transportation 90Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension. The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample. Roger M. RIDGEWAY, 41, Niagara Falls Gary MONAGHAN, 46, Thorold Tracey L. O'BRIEN, 48, Fort Erie Pamela J. HORKEY, 40, Welland Dale N. DAVIES, 56, St. Catharines Angelo J. NAGY, 57, Niagara Falls David A. HOUSE, 52, Niagara Falls Jessy M. E. GOMEZ, 22, Val Caron Sarah L. HOPCRAFT, 39, Brantford John M. BERG, 49, Niagara-on-the-Lake Ryan MCCONNELL, 33, Fort Erie Azaz V. A. KHAN, 24, Williamsville NY Randy J. VELASQUEZ-BOUCHARD, 21, St. Catharines Penny E. FENTON, 53, Thorold Leslie R. VASS, 59, Burlington Victoria L. MINOR, 46, Thorold Keerin MOODLEY, 21, Grimsby Thomas L. HALL, 60, Lincoln The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.
Congratulations
Dave Cronier in Bearskin Lake, Ontario with the fire truck donated to the Bearskin Lake First Nation by the Town of Pelham in 2015.
NRPS impaired driving charges
“I start work at 2:30 PM and school lets out at 2:15 PM so I can’t take any other route,” Williams explained. “I have had friends, family, teachers and other community members reach out to me in the past about how this is unsafe and how there should be another alternative for us.” Looking ahead to winter, when she will need to walk this path three or four times See SIDEWALK Page 2
HERE IS NO BETTER time to cycle than Fall. It matters not whether you’re new to the sport, a seasoned recreational cyclist, racer, touring rider or mountain biker; we all have reason to look forward to autumn. Summer’s heat has faded, and the streams of sweat that ran from soggy helmets into our eyes are now just slight perspiration. Fitness is peaking from lots of saddle time, making those tough climbs of Spring a breeze in Autumn. It’s hard to beat the feeling of beginning a crisp, cool Fall ride with a slight shiver, knowing your efforts will soon warm you perfectly. The hues of Autumn are outstanding. A Pelham route as simple as following our southern boundary is one that would make most Toronto cyclists jealous, especially when our forests and fields are ablaze with colour. Begin from Harold Black Park, and zig-zag south along Effingham Rd toward the Welland River. If you’re new to cycling, it’s important to know south is the direction away from any hills. If you avoid the morning and evening weekday rush hours caused by those travelling through Pelham between Wainfleet See AUTUMN Page 3
Indulgence Bakery Mossimo’s Pelham Street Grille Sobeys Fonthill DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware & TV Fonthill Library Black Pearl Fish & Chips Bob’s Boys Antiques Moku’s Fonthill Fitness Curves McDonald’s Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Target Store Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Pelham Town Hall Shoppers Drug Mart Zee Lube Express Care Lazy Loon Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Sobeys South Pelham Broken Gavel Restaurant Grill on Canboro Petro Canada Mtvl. Hwy. Renewed Thrift & Vintage Ridge Berry Farm Circle-K
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The Voice of Pelham, July 26, 2017
Page 3
Social network proud to serve Niagara LGBT seniors Program aims to ensure fair treatment for all BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
In any community he’s lived in, Port Colborne resident Dick Moore has recognized a need among elderly Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) people to connect with the health care services available to them. Acknowledging the demand for such a social network in Niagara, he decided to act. With the intention of improving the quality of life of LGBT seniors throughout the region, last December he formed Niagara’s first Seniors’ Pride Network (SPN). Moore explained that the network brings together aging LGBT people with representatives from service provider organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Home Help, Homes for the Aged, long-term care retirement homes, and other organizations that are trained to accommodate the specific needs of the LGBT community. Unfortunately, many service providers catering to seniors in Niagara are not prepared to assist this growing faction of the local population. "We have to start where the need is,” he said. “From our experience, and from what our service providers are telling us, the greatest need here is for training and for education. LGBT people need to know of the safe and accessible services and programs that are available." Moore said the ultimate goal of the SPN is to expand and enhance the programs and services available to elderly LGBT people. When connecting with these organizations, he said many service providers have expressed to him that they don't know where to begin, because they have not been educated on the experiences and life histories of older LGBT people. Since often these individuals have had a negative experience with the health care system in the past, Moore said many of them would rather risk going without proper care than risk facing discrimination or oppression. Pointing out that it wasn't until 1969 that the Criminal Code in Canada was amended to decriminalize sex between consenting same-sex adults, Moore said LGBT seniors today came of age thinking their sexuality and/or gender identity was a crime or a mental health condition. "When people call us perverts or nut cases, it’s because [homosexuality] was listed as a crime and a mental health condition,” he said. “The message that we heard from most religious communities as well was that it was a sin. People from these generations grew up under that cloud.
Seniors' Pride Network founder Dick Moore. NATE SMELLE PHOTO They went through school being beat up in the schoolyard, called names and all those sorts of things. They experienced intense oppression and discrimination." Recalling the story of a woman he connected with through the network, Moore described her experience with the health care system and why many LGBT seniors are uncomfortable seeking the care they need. While receiving a gynecological exam, Moore said she told him that the doctor waited until her feet were up in the stirrups to ask her whether she was sexually active. Admitting that she was, the doctor asked the woman if she was using birth control. When she said that she was not, she told Moore that the doctor then started shaking his finger and proceeded to give the woman a lengthy paternalistic lecture on responsible sexuality. Moore said when the woman told him that the reason she didn't use birth control was because she had sex with other women, the doctor put down his instruments left the room and never came back. "I don't think lesbian women who have heard that story are going to want to rush back each year for their papp smear or their breast exam. It's not going to happen." Moore related another story about a gay man who had gonorrhea of the throat. Though this is a relatively common condition for people who have oral sex, Moore said when the young man went to see the doctor, he was told to go home and gargle with salt water for a couple of weeks.
"The doctor didn't know what he should have known,” said Moore. “He wasn't trained and he wasn't educated to the level he needed to be." Currently part of a committee at the University of Toronto Medical School, Moore is working to diversify medical education so that health care professionals and students can learn about the health issues and concerns LGBT people have. Through the committee’s efforts, he said they are creating a safer learning environment for LGBT students, while also ensuring future LGBT patients will receive proper care. "A lot of things are being done, but the people who are out there even still now often haven't had any exposure to this. Personal support workers don't get it as part of their training—nurses, social workers, speech and language pathologists, physiotherapists, chiropractors— none of these people get that much exposure to the health issues or concerns of LGBT people through their training. LGBT people are cautious and very aware of dangerous situations, so they avoid them. We are seeking funding so we can provide this training." To help remedy this, Moore and the SPN have come up with a plan to educate and train service providers that they are hoping to have funded through the New Horizons for Seniors grant program. He said most service providers are eager and willing to learn, but they don't know what they need to do. Though SPN is a relatively new organization, Moore has been helping
They often feel that if they have to go into long-term care that they have to go into the closet
senior LGBT citizens for nearly two decades. Having worked with a similar network in Toronto, known as the 519, and with others in Ottawa and Windsor, Moore knows what needs to be done to assist these community members. By way of his experience, he has seen firsthand the need for such a network and the services, programs and training they provide, a need that has grown in recent years. As the 73-yearold human rights activist grows older himself, he said he has come to understand the severity of these concerns more clearly. "They often feel that if they have to go into longterm care that they have to go into the closet," he said. "Because many of them think that if anyone knew that they were gay or lesbian they would be shunned by the rest of the residents or by the staff. They worry that they will not receive care, or that they would receive second-class care. At 73 it has become a profound concern for me." Despite the fact awareness of LGBT rights and gender equality has grown, Moore said homophobia is still a very real and dangerous problem that needs to be addressed. He believes the reason some
people today are hesitant or disinterested in learning about LGBT issues stems from their own ignorance and their lack of exposure to the LGBT community. Moore sees homophobia in the political sphere as especially harmful to society, because when an elected official exhibits such hatred and ignorance towards members of the LGBT community — many of the people they were elected to represent — it indicates they will not be serving the entire community in good faith. "The Region of Niagara is kind of known as a 'right wing' area,” he declared. “You know this young man who was recently elected — Sam Oosterhoff, the 19-year-old MPP who was home-schooled and comes from a very religious background — from some of the things he has said I don't think he is particularly pro-LGBT. I think a lot of the political folks that have come out of the Region are from this deeply 'right wing' religious group that are opposed to the things we are doing. They think it's a sin." Moore said he was not surprised by St. Catharines Regional Councillor Andy Petrowski’s homophobic tweets, or by
MPP Oosterhoff declining to answer the Voice's questionnaire (which in part addressed LGBT issues and rights) during the last election. Politicians who defend their homophobia by claiming to be acting in God’s name need to realize that LGBT people are part of God’s creation too, he asserts. "I have a neighbour who is my age and is still closeted and goes to a very conservative church where they don't accept LGBT people,” Moore said. “I say to him you should love yourself because God made you the way you are and she knew what she was doing. I would say to Sam Oosterhoff, I'm a good person and God loves me and this is the way God made me. And you hating me and your speaking ill of people like me is you speaking bad of God's creation. We're entitled and we're protected under the Human Rights Commission of Canada and Ontario. We deserve equal treatment under the law and we deserve respectful treatment." To find out more about the services and supports offered by the Senior Pride Network in Niagara, or to get involved contact Dick Moore at moore.dick@ gmail.com.
Page 4
The Voice of Pelham, July 26, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
OPINION
The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.
The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Citizens for our Community's Enhancement In the heart of the community
W
HEN IT COMES to the parkland around the current Pelham Arena on Haist Street, one might say that another subdivision is needed in our beautiful community, but is that really the case?We would be losing yet another piece of our iconic landscape, instead of having something that the community can enjoy. We do not need another residential area, given the many new developments happening all around us. The town is expanding, and people from larger urban areas that are accustomed to having access to markets and entertainment are relocating here. What if we could use the existing Haist Street arena to create something that would both generate revenue and be unique in our community? One idea would be to create a building for a market that could be run year round by modelling it on the St. Jacob’s or St. Lawrence market. Local growers could sell and promote themselves, with fruit, vegetables, cheese, meat, crafts, etc. There could also be seasonal items at Christmas and Easter. It could be open one day a week to start, and
then increase as word gets out and business increases. Another idea is the relocation of the proposed East Fonthill Amphitheatre. This could be made so that it could be used all year round
Let's work together on an idea that would work for all of us
(open-air or winterized). We could relocate the summer Bandshell music events, which are growing in popularity, to this larger venue. Other community events that could also be housed here could include talent shows, visits with Santa, music, school events, and private functions such as weddings and special ceremonies. Summerfest could also be relocated to this new location. In its present lo-
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cation it hinders the commerce of most businesses and disrupts the vehicular traffic flow downtown, not to mention the ability of emergency vehicles travelling through and within Fonthill. The Amphitheatre would already be there as the stage and would enable more local talent to be showcased without the costly rental and labor involved in putting up and taking down of a temporary stage. The weather for vendors would no longer be an issue. Extra parking would be available as municipal parking would be freed up. A shuttle service from the downtown core could be provided. Business would not be affected. Also there would be a significantly lower risk for vandalism or property damage, thus relieving the need for increased Summerfest security. As people that live, work and own businesses in the community, let’s work together on an idea that would work for all of us. Citizens for our Community's Enhancement is a group of residents and business owners united in their desire to improve Pelham for everyone.
Letters Impressed by post-Fest cleanup By all accounts, Summerfest was a real success in almost all aspects. One thing in particular that I would like to comment on is the amazing cleanup of the whole main street by
Electoral District: Niagara West
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900 Member of Provincial Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West-Glanbrook Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755
Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Councillor Brian Baty 742 Memorial Dr. Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 905-892-5317 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607
to normal. Congrats to the dedicated and hard-working folks who worked late into the night to accomplish that daunting task. Bill McInerney Fonthill
Cats belong inside at night I live behind the Kirk on the Hill in Fonthill. I remove cat excrement from my lawn daily. They do their business at night or early in the morning. One cat is white with a black-tipped tail, another is spotted white and black, and an-
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
the Town of Pelham staff and volunteers. I walked down Pelham Street early the morning after and was amazed and pleased at how quickly and completely the street had returned
other is a tabby. Found dead on my property: a rabbit, two baby rabbits, chipmunks, and birds. Rabies exists in the Niagara Peninsula. See CATS Page 5
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Page 5
OPINION Letters
FOLLOW THE MONEY By Jim Pitt
continued
It's not staff, it's Council. A short Rice Road recap.
Tip of the hat to Nate We are writing to say thank you to Nate Smelle for capturing and sharing a part of our history about PK Hummingbird and to all who made it possible for the article and photos to be included in the July 19 edition of the Voice [Steel drum orchestra offers free lessons, p. 9]. Since 1998, Patrick has been offering free steel drum lessons to the youth of Niagara and their families. The families of the members are the life-force of the band, because they have committed to bring their children to practice and to travel to the various events to perform. Thank you Nate, we greatly appreciate all the work you put in to write about us. Patrick Nunes Via Facebook
Say goodbye to Wainfleet Niagara Region has plans for Wainfleet. The proposed Lakewood Condominium is the spearhead for their development plans. The 41 condo units are just the start and comprise just 1.6% of the Region’s projected 2,580 new homes to be built in Wainfleet over the next five years. And looking even further ahead, the Region plans on increasing Wainfleet’s population from 6,400 to 29,800 by 2031, requiring a total of 11,130 new homes. At the last Wainfleet Council meeting, Mayor April Jeffs endorsed the Region’s proposals fully and gave away her township by using her casting vote to approve Lakewood. Andrew Watts Wainfleet
Pelham High Alumni Memorial Scholarships—with some history Say "Pelham District High School" and many of you reading this have no idea what I’m writing about. So here is a little bit of the town of Pelham’s history. In 1926, the cornerstone for a “Continuation School” was laid at the corner of Canboro Road and Balfour Street in Fenwick. In September 1927, on opening day, the new school had 72 students and four staff: F.H. Hicks, Principal; Miss J. Ball; Miss M. Metler; and Miss De La Mater. Initially the basics: English, Math, History, Geography, Latin, etc., were taught. The first extra-curricular activity was the school orchestra. led by Percy Beckett. Commercial and agricultural classes were added soon after. By 1931, a complete “Upper School” was offered at Pelham Continuation School and students could now complete a senior matriculation and head on to Normal School (Teacher’s College) or university. E.L. Crossley arrived in 1932 to become the new Principal. He introduced the name “Pnyx” for the school’s newspaper and yearbook. In 1939, the Cadet Corps was formed and many graduates went to war. In 1949, the school was renamed “Pelham District High School,” as now it brought students from Fenwick, Fonthill, Welland, Thorold, Wainfleet, and West Lincoln. After the war and during the 1950s and early ‘60s new portions were built. There were four shops, more commercial rooms, and two
CATS continued from Page 4 For the protection of your cats and children, and to be
We had people come who had not seen each other for 50 years
new gyms to accommodate all the students. By 1957, there were 1,200 students at P.D.H.S. in general, commercial, and technical classes from Grade 9 to 13. In 1958, the first Boomers hit high school. With so many students, the School Board decided to build a new school in Fonthill—“Thorold Fonthill High School.” This school reached its 400 capacity in 1962, so another decision was made for a totally new school to be built on Highway 20. “E. L. Crossley Secondary School” opened in 1963. Thorold Fonthill closed, and then with everyone going to Crossley, Pelham District High School closed in 1974. Ten years went by, and a group of former P.D.H.S. students were itching to have a reunion. The school was now in private hands but permission was given to use the gyms and the classrooms on the bottom floor. So for two days in the summer of 1984, some 3,000-plus former students, staff and support staff came “home.” We had people See REUNION Page 11
a decent citizen, don’t let your cat run uncontrolled at night. Name withheld by request Fonthill
O
N N O V E M BE R 18, 19 7 3 , then President Richard Nixon appeared on national television to address whether or not he was in contravention of the law. He famously stated, “People have got to know whether or not their President is a crook.” In October 2006, our present Mayor was first elected. He was elected largely on the promise of selling the recently purchased land at the corner of Rice Road and Highway 20, now known as East Fonthill. These 32 acres had been purchased by the previous council for $3,586,925, or $112,091 per acre, in 2005. The original intent was to build a new arena with a park and outdoor playing fields surrounding it. The land valuation was based on— wait for it—an "extraordinary assumption" in the appraisal. (Man, this phrase just keeps rearing its misleading head these days, eh?) When he was first in office, our present Mayor seemed to find it mildly shocking that such fiction should be used to value a piece of land. “This purchase was based on a December 2004 appraisal that stated its valuation was based on ‘Extraordinary Assumptions,’” he wrote, helpfully pointing out a specific fiction: “For example, the appraisal assumed that the site accessed full water and sewer servicing. Residents of Rice Road will remember that the Region did not officially connect water and sewers until more than two years later in fall 2007.” What a difference a decade makes. From extraordinary assumption critic to connoisseur. In the deja-vuall-over-again department, you can’t make this stuff up. The party line (back then): previous council were taken for a ride, the land was overpriced, the land had to be sold. In May 2008, a year and some change into his first term, our present Mayor voted to sell the land. He was rather adamant on the point. He voted to sell, he said, “because we need to provide you value for your money.”
Warming to his theme, he continued, “Did you know that by the end of [2008], the Town will have paid $493,000 in principal and more than $700,000 in interest for that property? That’s $1.2 million and not one more kid played hockey or soccer or baseball or figure-skated!”
The exclamation point certainly drives home the finger-wag
The exclamation point certainly drives home the finger-wag. This is not a Mayor who would ever risk the good name of his town by overspending on land, let alone overseeing financial transactions such as to draw Regional Council scrutiny and calls for a forensic audit of its books. Two months later, in July 2008, the Mayor reiterated his goal of selling the land. In August of 2009, the land had to have its designation changed from a business park to mixed use. In October 2010, the land still couldn’t be sold because of the interference of major landowners in the area. In 2011, the East Fonthill Secondary plan was released, outlining development for the Town-owned land and adjoining land. In October 2012, this became the official plan. In December 2012, residents were told development was coming in 2014. Except for the twin arenas separated by a lobby, i.e., the Community Centre, it largely has not. Last March, the Town purchased 3.8
acres of land from a major developer for $3,600,000, or $928,000 per acre. This is an increase of 728% from the price paid per acre 11 years earlier. Ironically, these recently purchased 3.8 acres cost roughly the same as the entire 32 acres purchased in 2005 by the previous mayor and council. The appraisal to justify the 2016 price also made use of an "extraordinary assumption"—a similar fiction that the land was serviced fully, with individual lots, ready for builders to start building on. The land was actually unserviced, and isolated in the middle of the development. Employing our own extraordinary assumption, it's so remote that there were (and are) tumbleweeds skittering across it. Almost exactly a month ago, on June 29, a local developer appeared before Regional Council to voice his concerns regarding the East Fonthill development and the new arenas. The Mayor tried to stop him from speaking but was overruled by the Chair. The developer laid out his case in a calm and ordered fashion. In a subsequent interview with the Voice he stated, “This is either the stupidest process I’ve ever seen someone go through or the most corrupted process I’ve ever seen someone go through.” He also expressed praise for the Town staff he dealt with, specifically citing Ms. Wiens and Ms. Hanna, who has since left, and said he could understand why some staff have been departing. He made no mention of Town staff being the problem—indeed, he stated, "The Mayor interferes and certain councils interfere, but the Mayor—no one can do anything without the nod of the Mayor.” In a Welland Tribune article two weeks ago, it was reported that CAO Ottaway had been directed to put together an “Action Plan” in response to the above allegations. Councillors Rybiak and Accursi both commented to the Tribune after their closeddoor strategy meeting. Councillor See FOLLOW THE MONEY Page 10
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NEWSFLASH Tell us your story Column Six presents tales of personal triumph, adventure, strange-but-true stories, life-changing events, and looks-back at our past. Did you conquer Everest or kick a bad habit? Did you meet your spouse-to-be in jail or on an African safari? Do you know where Hoffa’s buried? Write it down, send it in: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca (You won’t get rich, but you will get paid.)
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Page 6
The Voice of Pelham, July 26, 2017
BY JIM CASSON
Special to the VOICE
“I am truly blessed by all the incredible opportunities I have had,” says Canadian vocal powerhouse Shakura S’Aida. “My life has been filled with amazing adventures and I can’t wait to see what happens next!” Such is the story of this free-spirited multi-award winning entertainer’s ascension into one of this country’s most in demand and beloved blues and R&B performers. Shakura’s long-simmering career initially moved into high gear in 2008 with a triumph at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, where she earned the runner-up
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COMMENTARY / OP-ED Steven Soos Closed Niagara mayor meetings are a disgrace
I
C A N’T HELP FEELING TH AT something is wrong with democracy here in Niagara, when local mayors and their CAOs are meeting in private without the public’s knowledge. First of all, I think it is important to define the role and duties of a mayor to help explain why these meetings are wrong. A mayor acts as the Chief Executive Officer of a municipality presiding over, and providing leadership to, their councils. They represent their municipalities at official functions. Most importantly, however, the role of a mayor is to promote public involvement in the municipality’s activities. The mayor in any municipality has a duty to represent and support the council in which they serve. These meetings violate every single one of these core principles of what it means to be a mayor. Another reason as to why these meetings are dangerous is that enshrined in the mayor’s duties is to put all motions to a vote and announce the result, and to decline to put motions to a vote which infringe upon the rules of procedure. However, our Niagara mayors are doing the exact opposite. They are discussing past, present, and most likely future, policy in private, which harshly violates the principle of open-debate. The source quoted in the Voice article on this matter asserted that there was a clear attempt by Pelham CAO Darren Ottaway to influence the outcome of Regional Council’s current inquiries into Pelham’s finances. Discussing outcomes before inquiries are finalized and put to a vote screams potential corruption of the democratic process, and violates the principles of open debate. Socratic debate is a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinking and to draw out
ideas and underlying presumptions. There is no doubt Socrates would be upset with our Niagara mayors.
These meetings violate every single one of these core principles of what it means to be a mayor
The problem with the mayors’ meetings is not quorum—it’s the discussion of outcomes before they become, about to become, or are currently Regional business. The reason that this is problematic is because of the way in which the the mayors could influence votes on important policy prescriptions. They potentially can make a back-room plan, lobby their friends, and direct the CAOs to do the same, all before the item can be debated in a public forum. Are the mayors really supporting any of their councils (their municipality and the Regional municipality) if they are meeting in secret and barring non-mayor councillors from taking part in these meetings? The answer is a big fat NO. And what about the CAOs? These are staff members appointed by council, not the stand-alone mayors. A CAO’s duty is to report to council, end of story. See CLOSED next page
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CLOSED continued from previous page Without this necessary open forum, I am afraid that the mayors are able to push their own agendas instead of the agendas of their councils, and more importantly, the Niagara electorate. We are in trouble folks. Now, any Integrity Commissioner or the Ombudsman are going to say that this was not an illegal meeting because it failed to achieve quorum. Procedurally, that is correct. On moral grounds however, these meetings are wrong for several of the reasons I have outlined. Section 224 of the Municipal Act states the following: It is the role of council to represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality. Section 225 also states the following: It is the role of the head of council to represent the municipality at official functions
and to provide council with leadership. What was official about the mayors’ meetings— nothing! What leadership were the mayors providing to council(s) and the public in a closed-door session— none. Mayors fall under the roles of head of council (they are the head of their municipal councils) and the role of a councillor (they are a councillor of the Regional Municipality of Niagara). Mayors and CAOs— the only place where you should be taking minutes is in a public forum. And there’s that word again—PUBLIC. Next election, it is up to you, the voter, to decide if you are okay with your mayors meeting in private to discuss business that has to do with your homes, tax dollars, development, etc. Section 270 of the Municipal Act outlines that municipalities have policies on accountability and transparency to the public—is this it? Pelham is enough hot
The Voice of Pelham, July 26, 2017
CELL TOWER
And there's that word again —PUBLIC
water right now. The last thing they need is secret debate taking place on how the Town is going to pay off their enormous debt thanks to an irresponsible town council and mayor. Demand better—demand transparency, and above all else, demand respect for YOUR tax dollars. Steven Soos is the Ontario Trillium Party Candidate for the Niagara Centre Riding. Soos currently works as a Social Services Worker.
continued from Page 1 magnetic energy emitted by the towers is safe to public health, the Gabouries said they will not support a cell tower being erected in their neighbourhood. “We don’t know the implications of these towers,” said Ruth. “Why would China and Italy have rules that are 100 times more strict than in Canada? Obviously, they know there is harmful stuff coming out of these towers. There are a lot of reasons why we are so upset about this. We felt it was our duty to bring it to everybody’s attention. It’s just not right.” Human health is not the only reason the Gabourie’s are worried about the proposed cell tower. The disruption and potential destruction of the local environment is another major concern of theirs. Pointing out how there is already a great deal of roadkill on Eff-
Page 7 ingham Street, they believe the excavation of the site and clearing of trees that is necessary to install the cell tower will displace even more wildlife in the area. Forcing wildlife out of its natural habitat into traffic also creates a public safety issue of its own, they said. “The stream that goes through our property, we’ve never seen anything like it,” Ruth said. “It’s just so pretty, it goes underground and then comes back out. It is Carolinian forest for sure and we have lots of wildlife out there.” “The wetland that they will be impacting is 25 hectares,” added Rob. “The stream on our land and the property where it might be built runs at the same height twelve months of the year. This area is unique in the Niagara Peninsula.” Recognizing that the area is part of the Greenbelt, they reached out to the Niagara Peninsula Conservation
We don't know the impact of these towers
Authority (NPCA) but found they could do little to help because Industry Canada is the agency ruling over cell tower construction. “I looked up the laws around this and it is Industry Canada who calls the shots, so the NPCA or the Town can’t do too much,” said Rob. The Town can put their objections in though. Oakville stopped a tower going in but it took a lot of time in court. I think the only way to stop it is if there is a loud public outcry.”
Hunter is our Lazyboy!
Page 8
The Voice of Pelham, July 26, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
VOICE PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
COLUMN SIX continued from Page 1 In the centre of a patch of grass there are a number of blankets laid down and a group of people standing on them. Several women are moving around the blankets, reading aloud the litany of woes that befell the people living in North America when Europeans began arriving. Those standing on the blankets are asked to step off as another misfortune is announced, representing those First
Nations people who died from direct or indirect contact with the arriving peoples. These facts of history are amplified through a low-volume speaker, but there is another one squawking out music not far away, making the recitation decipherable to only those in the immediate vicinity. It is as if the two speakers are competing in some event that neither has the ability to win, like a dunk contest in which none of the participants can get above the rim. Standing between
them, I can’t quite make out which Indigenous catastrophe is being recounted, nor can I hear the lyrics of any song well enough to sing along. Most of those moving off the blankets look to be Canadians of European descent, and they are solemn. The face paint on some of the younger ones manages not to detract from this solemnity. They must have navigated their route to this destination in the opposite direction, moving clockwise from food to paint to blanket.
Nearby sits a face painter. There is a little congregation of pale-faced kids who, from afar, seem eager to acquire a little colour. Up close, it isn’t clear that they still feel this way at the front of the line. The artist is bald man with thick, heavily tattooed arms. He is gentle and friendly, though, as he holds a pattern to a kid’s head with one latex-wrapped paw and with the other squeezes the trigger on a pressurized paint gun. Those heading for the chair go silent before they
are instructed to keep their mouth shut tight. There are plenty of mouths open wide further along where the food is sold and no one is going hungry. The fare isn’t especially surprising, though there are deep-fried oreos on offer, and this seems like the closest thing here to a genuine Near-Death Experience, until I catch sight of a sign advertising a poutine-eating contest. A few people around have decided that they can’t wait that long––or perhaps they are just warming up their digestives juices?—and it takes a bit of a walk, past a classic car on raffle, until the air is again clear of boiling oil's fragrance. That’s enough here. There are still many more people arriving than leaving, but the real buzz is out the gates and up the street, where apparently a parade is about to start. This is what everyone has been bivouacking by the road for, and if they keep their expectations reasonable they will not be disappointed. There is a terrific mix of floats. The Mayor and the MPP are there, but so too is a trailer with “Names Matter” emblazoned on its side, keeping up the fight against the name of the newly fused Pelham Centre and E.W. Farr school. This group is followed by the predictable dancers and banal business floats, and the overall effect of the barely-stifled pre-parade enthusiasm is pleasant. The most awe-inspiring participants are the two
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Clydesdales that have been hired to pull a carriage. Their backs are nearly over my head, and they are knocking their shoed hooves on the asphalt, making sharp, powerful snapping noises, and ruffling the tufts of white hair that mark their ankles. Their heads are immense, long and dark, and when they close their and eyes and mouths and conceal those cream-coloured teeth they appear as great granite tombstones hovering in the air. Their vision is further restricted by blinders, and good thing too, since the MPP's truck has bright balloons affixed to its roof, weaving and ducking, and eliciting a warning from the carriage-driver that the horses might give a start if they catch sight of them. "They weigh two thousand pounds each," he says. The balloons are tied down, and the dancers make formation. It is starting. As the show moves down the street, the spectators decamp. Some follow the parade's stern. Others collect what's theirs, cut down side streets, unlock cars, head back home. There is still a lot of July 1st left. ♦
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THE FONTHILL LIONESS OFFICERS FOR 2017 – 2018 were installed by A-2 Past President Lioness Eleanor Arbour. Front row, from left: Jenny McLagan, Bonnie Puhl, Cheryl Werner, Del Leney (President), Imelda McDermott. Back row: Linda Roach, Suzanne Rose, Pat Norton, Lorraine Metler, Jessie Paterson, Eleanor Arbour. SUPPLIED PHOTO
HIGH FLYING AWARDS 434 Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association held their annual award dinner, at which Wing Secretary and Treasurer George Groff was presented with the Volunteer Medal by MP Vance Badaway, right. SUPPLIED PHOTO
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The Voice of Pelham, July 26, 2017
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Q&A with NPCA Chair Sandy Annunziata on Hodgson, conservation employees claim to have been bullied or treated unfairly. A. The Board does not comment on OPSEU/labour issues. Please direct your questions to the the appropriate parties. Q. Why was Bill Hodgson
BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Q. A representative from OPSEU claims that the NPCA is a toxic work environment. Results from an employee survey suggest that two-thirds of NPCA
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censured? It’s been speculated that tens of thousands of dollars were spent on hiring a lawyer to build a case against Hodsgon, however the public and the rest of the NPCA have not seen this report. Is this true? A. No that is not true. The circumstances regarding Bill Hodgson are unfortunate. I commend the Board for their principled decision to hold fellow members to account. The Board remains steadfast in its belief that members who breach policy should be sanctioned, not celebrated. This whole idea of holding up and praising politicians who break the rules is completely misguided. To confirm once again, a third party legal opinion was obtained from Gowlings WLG to investigate a serious allegation brought forward by NPCA staff about the inappropriate involvement of Bill Hodgson in an independent request for proposals. As in previous accounts, tampering with an RFP is a serious matter. The Board decision to abandon a tainted RFP process was the right thing to do. The independent investigation that followed and the subsequent report to the Board was quite clear in its conclusions. Former member Hodgson could potentially and reasonably be seen by an objective observer to be attempting to
influence the RFP process with an implicit endorsement in favour of a potential bidder. The cost to investigate and provide an independent opinion to the Board was $5,220.60. It is unfortunate that this cost is borne by the NPCA rather then the offending member. It is also unfortunate that due to confidentiality policies and identifiable individuals named in the report, polices that the NPCA will continue to respect, I cannot release the report. It is my personal opinion that the full Gowlings WLG report should be made public and released along with the numerous verified policy breaches, internal conduct complaint investigations, and outstanding resolutions that can no longer be pursued because of Bill Hodgson's resignation. Q. You’ve been quoted as saying that the NPCA is not an environmental protection agency. Could you clarify your comments? A. The “C” stands for “conservation.” People continue to confuse conservation with environmental protection. We are mandated to conserve our non-mineral resources so that they can be used or replenished in the future. There is a reason that conservation authorities fall under the mandate of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forest-
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erty values are what they are, “and it’s good news that they’re worth that much, including [the developer’s].” The complete truth is that the developer who took his concerns to Regional Council stated that he had bought land in the same area in November 2016, eight months after the Town’s purchase. He said he paid $160,000 per acre, or 480% less than what the Town paid. Council is solely responsible for all policy made by the Town. When Council makes a decision, it lays the foundation for a new bylaw. The bylaw
continued from Page 5
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Rybiak said, “To the extent to which it (the allegations) is critical of the town, it’s equally critical of its staff and is without basis, without justification.” He also said, ”And we sure as hell want our staff to understand that we as a council are completely supportive of them.” Councillor Accursi said, “Our staff are trying to do a good job.” When questioned about the land value paid out by the Town, Rybiak said prop-
Sandy Annunziata. NPCA PHOTO ry, and not the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Because of successive Boards allowing mandate creep, the public now believes our core mandate is environmental protection, which is fundamentally not true. Provincial legislation, the Conservation Authorities Act, was created to further the conservation, restoration and responsible management of hydrological features. We will follow the legislation as prescribed by the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. The primary responsibilities of conservation authorities are in natural hazard management. All conservation authorities carry out natural hazard management
can then be passed by Council, sent back for more study, or rejected as unsuitable after all. Ultimately, the decision rests with our elected officials. Town staff provides pertinent information only. The buck stops at Council chambers' door. Although I am opposed to the number of overpaid staff employed by the Town, I have sympathy for the position they seem to have been placed in under the present Council. I would think that more defections may be in the future for some Town staff. In many cas-
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programs. A conservation authority’s roles in environmental protection are not defined and vary significantly. For the most part, these are determined by local municipalities who are bound by Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change policy. We will not trample on the rights of private property owners by engaging in policy creep. If the provincial government would like conservation authorities to broaden their current mandate by providing firm, unambiguous language within legislation that gives powers to authorities to protect and enforce MOECC policy, and provide a funding source to allow for that expanded mandate, then we would respect that new language as it evolves. But until then, we will continue to respect the current mandate as established by the province. We look forward to the ascension of Bill 139 and the new strategy put forward by the province on wetland conservation. The language in both those policy documents are completely congruent with the actions the NPCA has taken under its strategic plan. The NPCA is clearly a leader in modernizing conservation authorities across Ontario and we will continue to do great work on behalf of the residents who reside within our watershed.
es, the grass probably really is greener on the other side of that Thorold/Wainfleet/ Welland/Lincoln fence. Town Council was set to have released its “Action Plan” to address these Regional allegations just as the Voice went to press. We look forward to learning which allegation made by the developer is the correct one—namely, did the Council and Mayor follow a stupid process, or a corrupted process. Either way this process has become an embarrassment to residents, and has created anxiety over Town finances and future tax bills. By the end of the Watergate investigation, 40 government officials had resigned or were jailed, including the Attorney General. Finally, Richard Nixon himself resigned on August 9, 1974 to avoid impeachment, which was imminent. It seems he was a crook after all. Alas, we do not have the provisions that would allow for a recall vote or the impeachment of the Mayor and Council if any illegalities come to light (and no evidence thus far suggests anything beyond questionable decision-making). Even the Mayor of Thunder Bay, charged last week with extortion and obstructing justice, is staying put in his job for the foreseeable future. We have little choice but to wait things out, and hope that no more damage will be done to our town between now and election day in October 2018. But let’s not hold our breath. Even an “extraordinary assumption” would make that bet one for suckers only.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
The Voice of Pelham, July 26, 2017
Page 11
IN THE NEWS continued from Page 2
Hotels Inc. Mario D’Uva, Managing Partner of Fallsview Golf Inc. Carolyn Hurst, Owner and President of Westcott Vineyards Karen Natho, Executive Director of Brock-Niagara Penguins Para-sport Program Michele O’Keefe, President and CEO of Basketball Canada Liz Palmieri, Former Executive Director of Niagara Community Foundation Tom Rankin, CEO of Rankin Construction Adrienne Smoke, Performing Arts Professional & Indigenous Community Advocate Wade Stayzer, VP Sales and Service of Meridian Credit Union Mary Turner, Former President and CEO of Canadian Tire Financial Services David Veres, Associate VP of Academic and Learner Services, Niagara College Other community members will also be participating on key host society committees. These persons include Niagara athletes such as: Tonya Verbeek, 3-time Olympic
REUNION continued from Page 5 come who had not seen each other for 50 years. We talked, cried, laughed, sang and danced and basically had a wonderful time. After all the bills were paid we had $10,000 left! What to do with this money? Let’s invest it, set up a fund and give scholarships to students at E.L. Crossley. Our fund has kept growing over the years and when we have reunions, if there is money left, we put it into
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medalist, wrestling Steve Bauer, Olympic medalist, cycling Marty Calder, Olympian, wrestling & National Team Coach Chris Critelli, Olympian, basketball & Asst. Athletic Director at Brock University As the official languages of the games are both English and French, Niagara’s host society has also been recruiting leaders from Niagara’s francophone community on various committees. Niagara Region, and its 12 local municipalities, will host the Canada Summer Games in August 2021. These games will feature approximately 5,000 athletes in 17 sports from all 13 provinces and territories.
Tom Rankin, 2017 Humanitarian winner
Niagara Region is pleased to announce that Tom Rankin is the 2017 recipient of the T. Roy Adams Humanitarian Award in recognition of his dedication to community service. In a press release, the Region describes Rankin as a unique philanthropist who gives generously and has a positive impact on projects designed to enhance local
the scholarship fund. Since 1985 we have been able to give out $50,000, and we will have enough for five more years. Students have to apply for the Pelham High Alumni Memorial Scholarship. When we read their letters and see how hard they have worked to get good marks,
communities. When it appeared there would be a shortfall in funds to construct the gateway arch over Lundy’s Lane for the War of 1812 Bicentennial celebrations, Rankin brought together a group of civic-minded contractors and volunteers to ensure the project was completed on budget and within an extremely tight timeline. Taking the lead as general contractor, he re-engineered the archway to make it better and ensure it would be a proud moment for Canadians celebrating 200 years of peace between Canada and the United States. In 2015 he supported the construction of a memorial for the Fallen Workers of the Welland Canal. His commitment to the Rankin Cancer Run initially launched in 2005 as a one-day event in St. Catharines raised $230,000 with all proceeds going to local cancer care facilities. By the end of 2010 the Run had raised $1.9 million and at the end of 2015 the total proceeds going back to the Niagara community were $5.5 million. In addition to supporting the Rankin Cancer Run, his company has contributed significantly to the Niagara Health System, Hos-
what their dreams are and how they plan to achieve those dreams, we know our future is in good hands. These are great young people! The recipients for our $2,000 scholarships for 2017 are: Hope Brownlee, who will attend Brock and take Con-
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pice Niagara, Goodwill Niagara, and Jericho House. Rankin has also been a generous supporter of Pathstone Mental Health for the past 3 years. He has also provided title sponsorship for one of the ice rinks at Seymour Hannah Four Pad Arena in St. Catharines, completed major pledges for Brock University and Niagara College and has supported the Celtic Music Interpretative Centre in Judique, Nova Scotia for a decade. In 2012, as part of being the successful bidder for a new downtown arena in St. Catharines, Ranking donated two pedestrian bridges to connect the Meridian Centre to the downtown core. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the T. Roy Adams award, which is presented annually to a Niagara resident who exemplifies the values and dedication to community service of the late T. Roy Adams. Adams served on Regional Council as Mayor of St. Catharines from 1976 to 1985, and as a Regional Councillor from 1988 to 2002.
Oosterhoff congratulates artists
to announce that six individuals and one gallery in Niagara West-Glanbrook have been awarded with Ontario Arts Council grants. The winners are: Grimsby Public Art Gallery - Public Art Galleries Program $26,125; Bruno Capolongo (Grimsby) - Exhibition Assistance $1,500; Jeffery Donaldson (Stoney Creek) - Writers’ Reserve $3,000; Susan E. Irwin (Grimsby) - Writers’ Reserve $1,900; Tanya Leary (Stoney Creek) - Writers’ Reserve $7,500; Jana Skarecky (Binbrook) - Music Commissioning $4,300; Jordyn Stewart (Beamsville) - Exhibition Assistance $600. “I offer my sincere congratulations to the Grimsby Public Art Gallery and each of these talented artists from the Niagara region on their well-deserved awards,” said Oosterhoff. “I am proud to highlight the contributions these Niagara artists are making to music, literature, and the visual arts.” For more information about eligibility criteria and grant application, please visit the Ontario Arts Council website: http://www. arts.on.ca/home. See IN THE NEWS Page 13
MPP Sam Oosterhoff is pleased
current Ed. with the goal of teaching French. Curtis Walton, who will go to Niagara College and take the Electrical Techniques programme. These two students fit our criteria for being “all-rounded” students. They got good marks, participated in sports and
clubs, and contributed to school life. We wish them well in their future studies and endeavours. As we look to the future, here is a reunion reminder. Our next scheduled one will be held a bit over a year from now, on Saturday, September 22, 2018, from 1-5 p.m.
at Lipa Park, North Pelham. In 2016, we had about 325 people out on that beautiful and “what felt like summer” day. We keep losing “us” as the years go by. So, please, mark your calendars and we hope to see you there. Vilma Moretti Fonthill
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The Voice of Pelham, July 26, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
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Places of Worship and Events Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick
First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., Fenwick
Glad Tidings Church of God 1 Pancake Lane, Fonthill
Pelham Evangelical Friends Church 940 Haist St., Fonthill
Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill
Fonthill Baptist Church 1414 Pelham St., Fonthill
Holy Trinity Anglican Church 1557 Pelham Street, Fonthill
Ridgeville Bible Chapel 418 Canboro Rd., Ridgeville
Fenwick Church of Christ 765 Welland Rd., Fenwick
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill
Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill
St. Alexander’s Roman Catholic Church 50 Pelham Town Sq., Fonthill
Fenwick United Church 1050 Church St., Fenwick
Fonthill United Church 42 Church Hill, Fonthill
Pelham Community Church 461 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church 834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
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IN THE NEWS continued from Page 11
erated by the Region that must naissance project. It will provide be redeveloped by 2025 to comhousing, bring jobs, and business ply with new provincial buildopportunities for the local econoRegion buys Fort Erie ing standards. The other two are my and be the impetus for further property for long-term OCNA Network ClassifiLinhaven eds Ads in St. Catharines and exciting development in our comcare home Upper Canada Lodge in Niagamunity.” (AD CENTRAL) Regional Chair Alan Caslin last ra-on-the-Lake with 256 beds week announced that Niagara ReWeek ofa property in and 80 beds respectively. Niagara Grey Cup, Ti-Cats players gion has purchased Region operates eight long-term coming to Brock Fort Erie thatJuly will24 serve as the fucare homes serving 1,500 resiThe symbol of success and victure home of Gilmore Lodge longdents annually. It also provides tory in Canadian football is comterm care home. Posted a range of community programs ing to Brock University. The 11-acre site, located at 200 and services intended to help agJuly 20 The Grey Cup, along with LarGarrison Road, is suited to acing adults live at home safely and ry Dean and Luke Tasker from the commodate a campus of faciliindependently. Hamilton Tiger-Cats, will make Central ties and services to better support "This announcement is great an appearance at Brock’s Alumni Fort Erie’s aging population. The Region Ads included news for Fort Erie and Niagara,” Field Wednesday, July 26 as part purchase price of the property said Wayne Redekop, Mayor of of the University’s Youth Flag is $4.2 million. Gilmore Lodge, This ad is to be printedFort by all participating papers Erie. “By takingOntario advantage Football League. located at 50 Gilmore Road, is of the existing infrastructure and The inaugural season for the an 80-bed home constructed in services in the area, the develop- Brock Sports-run youth league 1988. It is one of three homes opment planned here will be a re- has been a big success, accord-
ing to a Brock news release, with players taking part in practices and games every Wednesday night until Aug. 9. The league is part of the Canadian Football League’s Flag initiative designed to be a fun environment for boys and girls between six and 15 years old who have either never played the game before or would like to keep playing under flag football rules. As part of the Flag program, the CFL will bring the Grey Cup along with the two Ti-Cat players to Alumni Field Wednesday, July 26 at 6 p.m.
Luke Tasker.
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The Voice of Pelham, July 26, 2017
Beautiful Minds helping women live healthy
Sarah Rose BY VOICE STAFF Those who may want to improve their health and fitness but don’t know how to get started now have a new place in town where they can go to get in shape. Recognizing that people often feel intimidated by the idea of working out at a busy gym if they don’t have a proper routine or know how to use the machines, owner of Beautiful Minds, Sarah Rose, decided to create a private fitness studio so all her clients could feel comfortable exercising. Based out of Rose’s home on Mason Drive, Beautiful Minds offers customized private and partner training sessions for women and girls. “Sometimes with a session we have to troubleshoot a little bit to make sure they are feeling it, and to see what the client’s body and mind is or isn’t doing,” Rose said. “This way they can do what is right for their body.” Spending time with each of her clients, Rose can monitor the progress they are making and make changes to their workout routine as she sees fit. Rose said this tailored approach allows her clients to use their maximum potential and achieve
their own goals in a reasonable amount of time. Rose explained that getting in shape is not something people can achieve immediately, because it requires a change in lifestyle. Ultimately, she said it comes down to whether the individual genuinely wants to start living healthier. “It’s not an overnight fix,” she said. “There are so many trainers out there who will just try to get you to build muscle fast and get your bikini body, but the first step is figuring out how to shift your mind to start being healthier. After you do that, that’s when you’re going to start and see the changes. It really is a battle of the mind. A lot of people don’t want to go to the gym, because they say they are too tired. In reality, that’s when they should go because that’s where they get their energy. You feel better and happier after you work out. Everything functions better.” As a certified personal trainer with CanFitPro, Rose supports her clients throughout their development. The customized programs she develops for her clients include a mix of stretching, strength train-
VOICE PHOTO
ing and cardio. Rose said the fitness programs she crafts are not meant to end when her clients leave the studio. She always gives them a routine that they can take home with them. “It’s all about being healthy and making positive choices,” said Rose. “I encourage the women who come in here to adopt better eating habits, strengthen their bodies and overcome their own challenges. Really, we’re fighting disease, we’re fighting sleep disorders, we’re fighting stress. I try and help people throw away their bad habits and replace them with healthy habits.” This fall, Rose said she will begin to offer a special six-week program for young women 12-years-old and up. Understanding that starting a workout routine from scratch can be very daunting for a young woman, Rose said he program will encourage them to live healthy and gain confidence. Having recently become a certified instructor in Country Heat Live — a mix of country line dancing and Zumba — she is also planning to hold public classes at a location in the community that is yet to be determined.
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Maple Acre Branch: The first six months BY KIRK WEAVER
CEO Pelham Library
As I write this column, we are coming up on six full months of operation in the renovated and expanded Maple Acre Branch Library. It seems like a good time to reflect on the early results. Overall we have been pleased with what we have seen. The traditional measures of library use include things like the number of people coming in to the building and the circulation of materials. On both of these counts we are seeing great results. Since reopening on January 24, more than 12,000 visitors have come through the doors. That is more than the annual totals we were achieving prior to the renovation. We also know that these additional visits are not only the result of additional hours of operation. The number of visitors for each hour we are open to pre-construction levels we found that they have nearly tripled compared to pre-construction levels. Circulation has also grown, although not at the same rate as visits. This tells us that people are taking advantage of the additional community space and programming that is offered. We have experienced fantas-
tic program registration numbers, especially those geared to children. In some cases registration is higher at Maple Acre than the same program offered at Fonthill. Through observation, it is evident that people are enjoying the study space, the children’s activity area, and the comfortable lounge. While we would love to see people borrowing our materials, we are pleased that the new space is being actively used. The early results are definitely everything we hoped for and more. We are not naïve enough to believe that these strong results will continue without continual effort on our part. A first step is to gather some hard data to support or alter our observations to date. Over the next month or so, are brief survey will be available on our website and in the Maple Acre Branch. If you have visited the Maple Acre Branch since it reopened, we encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire. If you have yet to visit the new building, please stop by soon and then tell us what you think. Your feedback will be an important factor in our program service, and materials planning. Let’s ensure that the next six months continues to be as vibrant as the first six months.
THE ROTARY CLUB OF FONTHILL recently held their first meeting with their new president for 2017-2018, Paul Snack. A donation of $5,000 was made to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Niagara. From left, Rotarians Frank Adamson and Paul Allen; Big Brothers Executive Director Barb Van Der Heyden; and Paul Snack. SUPPLIED PHOTO
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The Voice of Pelham, July 26, 2017
This week in baseball
Page 15
FACTS MATTER. TRUTH MATTERS.
BY MELISSA WELLS
Special to the VOICE
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Pelham Pee Wee Rep.
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tire team contributed by getting on base, stealing and stacking up the RBIs including Connor Jolicoeur's single and doubles by Matthew Oakes, Andy Nawrocki and Julian Rubino. Mitchell Morden pitched a fantastic game, holding Welland to four runs over six innings. Turning attention to St. Catharines, Cameron Wells poked a double to centre field and struck out five batters over two innings of work. Max Veld powered out a single to left field and walked twice to contribute to the 14-6 win. The Pelham Medical Associates Peewee Rep team had a light league schedule this week due to the rain but did get a game in against the Binbrook Bisons. Although a close game, Pelham prevailed with a final inning run. Consistent hitting and base running by Jake Passmore, Ethan Wells and Will Baltrusiunas kept the team in the game behind pitchers Wyatt Gibson and Cole Townson. The Panthers will play three league games this week in the hopes of maintaining top billing in the league.
The Group 92 Mechanical Rookie Rep team continues to make great strides as a team, with improvements every week. The team has now started the second half of the year and are enjoying every minute on the field! With four games this week, two home and two away, it will be a very busy and exciting schedule. The rookies will be hosting the West Niagara team on July 28th for a Friday Night Lights game at Centennial 1 in Fenwick. The game will begin at 8:30 pm and they would love for everyone to come and out and support the hometown team! The Fenwick Lions Club will have the canteen open for the game, with great food and great baseball on the menu! The kids are excited to be able to play under the lights for the first time this year. Hope to see you all there. Miller Restoration Mosquito Rep enjoyed two wins this week with hard hits and solid defence. Chase Munn contributed to a mercy of the Welland Minors with a hit that almost went over the Memorial Park fence. The en-
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Vol.20 No.48
CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
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The Comfort Maple myth BY JULIE MANNELL
Special to the VOICE
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BY VOICE STAFF
See DSBN Page 9
Food 111Health Hwy. 20 E., Unit Store 5, Fonthill
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
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Vol.20 No.39
NIAGARA’S BEST-READ WEEKLY SINCE 1997
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Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation 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
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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 ad-
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Growing up British
Haist Street traffic-calming measure a little too effective 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
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Oops: No fire trucks for you
Column Six
Request made of community still peeved at name change The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the
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Pineld -So Pelham’sPelham’s Health Food Store
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
See CHANGES Page 5
The Voice PUBLISHED INDEPENDENTLY IN PELHAM
Vol.20 No.32
Wednesday October 12, 2016
FREE
Apple Day comes to Fonthill Longtime Scouting tradition dates to 1932
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.”
Joining their principal, Karen Simpson, at the Sept. 19 Council meeting as part of a delegation from EL Crossley Secondary School, students Abby Loewen and Neenah Williams presented Council with a list of reasons that they should immediately approve the construction of the new sidewalk proposed along Hwy. 20. The asphalt side-
walk/trail is slated to be built between the south side of the road from Timmsdale Crescent to the high school. Because of the large volume of motor vehicle traffic travelling at high speeds through this area, and because of the necessity for students to tread this path on a daily basis, many residents would like to see the sidewalk go in sooner than later. After delivering to Council a petition containing
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H EATHER AND P ENNY L ANE S ALES R EPRESENTATIVES
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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.
“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
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.
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.
“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
See AUTUMN Page 3
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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
CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR Pineld -So
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T Second year Beaver with the 3rd Fonthill Group, Russell Letford offers a fresh apple to shoppers in Pelham during the 2015 Apple Day campaign. SUPPLIED PHOTO
Town Council approves sidewalk to serve E. L. Crossley BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Office 905.892.1702
Column Six It doesn’t get better than Autumn
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-
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The Voice of Pelham, July 26, 2017
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NPCA continued from Page 1 NPCA to call attention to the fact that the NPCA has become a “toxic” work environment for many people who work there. “More than eighty-five percent of [NPCA staff] say that their workplace is harmful to mental health,” said Warman. “They did a stress survey in cooperation with Occupational Health Clinics of Ontario. Ninety percent of the NPCA’s employees completed the survey asking to evaluate the psychological climate and two thirds experienced workplace bullying, while seventy percent witnessed offensive behaviour. Those are ridiculously high numbers.” Warman has fond memories of coming to the Ball’s Falls Conservation Area as a child on field trips with her school to learn about the environment through NPCA programs. At that time, she said they would teach the kids to value nature, stressing the importance of protecting wetlands, forests and greenspaces. Referring to NPCA Chair Sandy Annunziata’s recent comments to Lincoln Town Council, where he stated, “We [NPCA] are not an environmental protection agency,” Warman said she is disappointed and disturbed by what she describes as the Conservation Authority’s new pro-development stance. “The NPCA is such a vital part of our community, but it doesn’t seem like they care about conservation or their workers. It’s just about their bottom line. We were just talking about how Sandy Annunziata said that the NPCA
They can run but they can't hide that they are motivated by greed
isn’t an environmental protection agency. Well, if that’s the case what does the ‘C’ in NPCA stand for?” After the meeting had begun, many of the demonstrators continued to discuss the issues with the NPCA. Many of those who remained expressed their dismay and disgust in the censuring and forced resignation of former NPCA Board member and Lincoln Councillor Bill Hodgson. Ed Smith — the community activist and environmental advocate who was slapped with a lawsuit by the NPCA for raising concerns about the Board’s management of the agency — believes the NPCA needs to be more forthcoming about why Hodgson was censured. “We have a right to know what they are alleging that he did,” said Smith. “They are censuring a politician, which is a major step to take, and all they are saying is ‘trust us.’ They have to let the people know. They are not making that report available to anyone.” NDP Labour Critic Mike Haines agrees with Smith that the public deserves to know why the Board censured Hodgson. Speaking to the former NPCA Board member’s integrity, he recalled the day
Demonstrators make their feelings known last week outside the Balls Falls Centre. Hodgson handed in his resignation. “It went against everything he stands for to resign,” said Haines. “He took that position very seriously, and all he did was raise the issue about the Auditor General. That’s where it all started from. A bill was passed in January of this year. They passed it and then they turned around and said no we are going to make these changes. That’s what he was trying to deal
with. Then they came up with a story that he was causing trouble. Bill was speaking up and he wasn’t going along with the Board. If you don’t go along with Sandy Annunziata then you have to be dealt with.” “They can run but they can’t hide that they’re motivated by greed,” added Dudley Maracle, another one of the protesters lingering outside after the meeting was underway.
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“The public has caught on to their corruption and is not going to let them get away with it. It doesn’t matter how much they try to distract us or how long they try to stall, we are not going to let it go. I mean come on, you can’t call yourself a Conservation Authority and then promote an ecologically catastrophic scheme like biodiversity offsetting.” See NPCA Chair Annunziata's comments on page 10.