Wellspring's new centre is open page 3 Bad moth season coming page 12 Banners to honour heroes page 15 EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
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Column Six
The lost boy Urge to assist not entirely selfless BY ROB BELCHIOR
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HE FACEBOOK POST is familiar, all too depressingly familiar. Another young adult missing, another plea for assistance and information, another family searching for answers. Except this time it hits close to home. The missing young man is the nephew of my sister-in-law. The family is from Pelham. Many still live here. Technically, he’s not blood, but he’s family. I was raised to believe there’s no difference. We do what all decent people do. We share the post, we reach out to the family, we offer our sympathy and our assistance. In this early, chaotic phase, the questions overwhelm the answers. Truth be told, at this stage, there are no answers, only questions. What was he doing? Who was he with? What did he consume? Which way did he go?
MMM, MAPLE TAFFY Agape Valley's annual sugar bush event brought out the March breakers on Saturday. Story, page 8.
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TOWN COUNCIL NEWS
PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket
We’re all familiar with the term, “six degrees of separation,” shorthand for describing how socially connected people can be, and how the modern world continues to make such connections increasingly likely. For example, in 1988, the father of a friend of mine was a passenger aboard Pan Am 103. I am two degrees of separation from a victim of the Lockerbie bombing. A university friend of my wife's is now a Thai senator, and close to the royal family. My wife is two degrees of separation from the King of Thailand. You may not be an immediate friend of mine, but as a reader of the Voice you and I might be said to be socially connected. This leaves you three degrees of separation from a victim of last week’s terrorist attack in New Zealand. A few years ago, one of my brothers-in-law, a diplomat, was posted to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. One day an issue arose with an Indonesian crew member on a Chinese freighter anchored off the coast from Christchurch, on the country’s South Island, miles away from Wellington. Needing immediate help, my brother-in-law reached out to his contacts, and was put in touch with a man named Lilik Hamid, an Indonesian immigrant who worked as an aircraft mechanic for Air New Zealand. Hamid acted as an intermediary, translating for the sailor between Indonesian and English. He was happy to help, and with his family was happy living in New Zealand. Last Friday he went to his mosque to pray, and was murdered by a racist zealot. The BBC reported that his daughter told Radio New Zealand, “We never felt alone with his personality, he was always making friends with anyone.” She said her father was a man who fixed things. “He's always the first person people call, even to fix a clock... he will be there with his screwdriver. He always knows what to do.” Social media nourished the murderer’s appetite for hatred, and social media is where he aimed his message, accurately predicting that the mass media would amplify it further. This is the world we live in—that we’ve made, and allowed to flourish. Fanatics have always existed, but the ease with which they now spread their poison online threatens us all, everywhere. Given the choice between “gatekeeper” traditional media—rightly criticized for mostly serving the status quo—and the internet’s wild west anarchy of information
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without context, and deliberate misinformation, I think many of us might, 25 years into the world wide web, happily give up the convenience of instant access to benevolent information if it meant eliminating the malevolent. But “information wants to be free” say technology activists, and, yes, I’m aware of the irony inherent in a journalist tentatively expressing support for any sort of censorship. It’s a moot point anyway. By its design, the web can’t be entirely controlled, even by the most totalitarian of forces. We’re stuck in the sand, rooted to the beach, with ceaseless tsunamis of information crashing over us. The best we can do is learn how to take more discerning breaths to avoid swallowing too much of the garbage it throws up. Speaking of a deluge: Our report last week on Pelham's rising water and wastewater rates could have been phrased more clearly. Rates will rise 8.4% each year, over five years, meaning by 2024 we will be paying 42% more than we are now...Plenty to chew on: We have some choice morsels for you this week. Patrick Tierney’s letter to the editor, on page 11, refutes MP Dean Allison’s economic assertions. Regional Councillor Diana Huson’s commentary, page 6, suggests that things are on the mend at the NPCA. And in Column Six, Rob Belchior movingly addresses a family’s search for their lost son, and its larger meaning. His name is Rory Stuart, of Fort Erie, who went missing February 16th...This weekend: The Pelham Historical Society presents French World War II memorials (see ad, page 5), and Clare’s Cycle & Sports holds an open house (see ad, page 14). Time it right and make it to both...Someone listened to Larry: Larry Coté’s commentary on climate change this week coincides with the Town of Pelham receiving a $125,000 grant from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, a private lobbying group that advocates on behalf of elected officials. The Town will use the funding to support a “Climate Change Coordinator” position, someone who, according to a Town statement, will be “responsible for researching and recommending institutional and operational changes and providing oversight on the climate mitigation/adaption plan”...Warming we like: Spring is here. Bring on the sun. May it chase the darkness away.
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Mayor defends bus service
The cash-strapped Town of Pelham is in a catch-22 over funding for its bus service, something that was abundantly clear during council’s Committee of the Whole meeting on March 11. The Town’s previous council had committed to adding a second bus to the service this year, an endeavor that will grow that particular deficit by $123,000. Yet because a certain amount of municipal spending each year is required to continue receiving funding under Ontario’s Community Transportation Grant Program, Pelham risks losing it all by backing out. “We received a second grant for the second bus, which we will be starting in September,” Interim CAO Teresa Quinlin said. “Previous council approved it. By accepting the grant, we accept that the town is contributing $123,000 for that bus. [Niagara] Region will be taking on inter-municipal transit in a couple of years.” Quinlin added that Pelham needed to have the bus in order to continue qualifying for the grant. Ward 2 Councilor Ron Kore—who is often apoplectic about actions of the previous council—questioned the wisdom of the need for a second bus in a car-centric community of 18,000 people. “I don’t understand how previous council can put this on us,” he said. “Our citizens deserve better than that.”
Kore also cited some numbers. “We’re bleeding from the [community centre], and now you’re asking us to put a second bus on. We have ridership of, say, 350 people—that’s $42 per ride. We could get an Uber driver to drive us for less than that.” Quinlin stressed that opting out of the provincial grant would not be wise. “We have to show that we meet a certain dollar amount to get the grant money,” she said. “Once you say no, you get blackballed in terms of getting grants. It’s not a good thing.” A concerned Mayor Junkin then asked council if they would consider turning down the provincial grant money completely—but not before issuing a defence of the bus service, particularly because of its utility to seniors. “May I also point out that transportation is for the people that don’t have cars, for the elderly, for the people that don’t have the money to afford a car, a student,” Junkin said. “Yes, dollars and cents are very important. I just wonder how the public is going to feel knowing that this is one of the things we cut [where] seniors don’t get to go out to do their shopping, or the student has to find another way. I realize it’s a cost … it’s not a cost that is unbearable, and every other community is bearing it for the sake of the people. I think this is a very backward thing to be looking at today.” Kore clarified that he
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Oops: No fire trucks for you Haist Street traffic-calming measure a little too effective BY VOICE STAFF
The Committee of the Whole also voted to adopt several user fees, specifically regarding ice time and other activities at the community centre. Ward 3 Councilor Lisa Haun questioned vanRavenswaay about fees already being paid for two basketball courts in the building, and their competitiveness
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Marie Boccabella was with employees from SIR Corp, who worked as a team in the mountains of Guatemala with Wells of Hope, an organization in the Niagara. Eighteen people helped build a house for single mother Natalia and her four children, painted a school, and bought the supplies for a roof that a community needed to put a roof on a school.
wasn’t anti-bus, but was merely looking for all efficiencies in a financially stressful scenario. “At this time, we don’t need two buses,” Kore said. “When we get our finances in order, I’d be the first to say we need more transit.” Pelham Director of Recreation, Culture and Wellness Vickie vanRavenswaay said it’s not that cut-and -dried when it comes to provincial funding. “We will get nothing if we cancel the agreement,” she said, explaining that the transportation fund is something that the governing Conservative party actually kept on the books after the Liberals were voted out of office last year. According to the Government of Ontario website, Pelham is slated to receive $500,000 in grant money for transit projects over five years. In the end, council agreed with vanRavenswaay’s idea to ask the Government of Ontario if the current grant arrangement can be paused until next year, given Pelham’s deficit. “I would like to ask the province and see if we could implement [the new bus] in 2020, rather than saying we don’t want it,” vanRavenswaay said.
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Column Six Growing up British Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation
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Wellspring up and running Pelham now the centre of support for those living with cancer in Niagara It’s incredible what a community can do when it comes together. That’s a conclusion easy to reach after visiting Wellspring Niagara’s brand new facility across from the community centre in Fonthill. While some construction work on the 11,000 sq. ft. building continues outside — and, to a lesser degree, inside — more than 200 volunteers and five staff members have been serving Niagara residents battling cancer since the facility opened its doors on January 7. A true grand opening is planned for September. “That’s why I call it the house that Niagara built,” Wellspring Executive Director Ann Mantini-Celima told the Voice on a tour of the facility last week. To understand Wellspring Niagara’s mission, it’s important to clear up some misconceptions about it. The support service for those fighting cancer doesn’t receive a penny of government funding, and is solely reliant on the generosity of the region it serves. And to walk through the immaculate $5 million building, signs of that generosity are everywhere. Countless donors —corporate, charitable and private —raised money or pro-
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vided infrastructure for the facility. Pelham’s recently named Citizen of the Year, Frank Adamson, is closing in on his goal of raising $250,000 for Wellspring. Inside, Niagara-on-the-Lake company Reclaimed From Roots donated a large maple table now used for cancer support meetings. Outside, Willowbrook Nurseries is providing $20,000 worth of landscaping, coming this spring. BMO is sponsoring a new outdoor patio, and Merritt Construction is building a gazebo. And that’s just a slice of the communal effort needed to make the all-too-familiar fight against cancer more comfortable for those in that life-altering battle. “I think one of the biggest hurdles was getting people to understand what we do,” Mantini-Celima said. “There’s a lot of misconceptions out there that we’re a hospice. We welcome people to come here and visit us. Then it could be so much easier for them to recommend us to someone they love.” The idea of Wellspring is that at one of the worst times of a person’s life — a cancer diagnosis for ei-
ther themselves or a family member — that there is somewhere to go to and find a community, and free advice and activity in the face of an insidious disease. “There’s power in numbers,” Mantini-Celima said. It’s not a hospice, and there is no on-site cancer treatment facility. Some might say that it’s just as important as that, though, because it gives cancer patients and caregivers a place where they can find support through the numerous services provided. From peer counseling to yoga, Qi Gong and Reiki, to physical and spiritual exercises and play therapy for children either with cancer or those whose parents are suffering from the disease, no stone is left unturned in providing support. “Sometimes it’s the caregiver that comes because the patient is not ready,” Mantini-Celima said. “But the caregiver needs support. They can come here and talk freely, openly and confidentially”. Members even have access to a money matters expert through Wellspring Toronto, a financial specialist that advises cancer patients through a battle that often takes them off work for an extended period.
The lobby of Wellspring Niagara’s new facility in Fonthill. Most importantly, it’s all free for those living with cancer, either as a patient or a caregiver. For Mantini-Celima, the new home of Wellspring is a culmination of sorts of a personal journey. Many years ago, her brother Aldo was diagnosed with cancer on the same day that his son was born. That emotional roller coaster led him to seek out a community support system, yet there really wasn’t one. “He looked for avenues of support in Niagara but there was nothing here,” she said. Mantini-Celima, who lived in Toronto at the time, decided to visit Wellspring there as a loved one involved in the fight. She was blown away by the positivity of the place. “I remember walking
through the doors and just being welcomed,” she said. After her brother became familiar with it, he made it his goal to bring the idea to Niagara. “He was just so impressed, and he said, ‘Maybe this is why I got cancer.’” Sadly, Aldo’s illness progressed quickly, and he died in 1999. “Before he passed away he made me promise I’d continue to do this,” Mantini-Celima said. “I thought it would take five years to start this, and within less than two years we opened our doors.” Those doors were opened at Wellspring Niagara’s first home on Schmon Parkway in Thorold. As membership grew, however, Wellspring quickly outgrew the 2,000 sq. ft. facility.
That’s why when the Town of Pelham offered the land across from the new community centre, it was a no-brainer for Wellspring to move to Fonthill. “It’s right in middle of Niagara,” Mantini-Celima said. “We had to be accessible, we couldn’t afford to build satellite centres. And the idea was received positively, which gave us the confidence to go out and raise $5 million.” Ground was broken on the facility in 2017, and the grand opening is scheduled for this September, when the outdoor landscaping should be complete. Last year, approximately 860 people used Wellspring’s services, and Mantini-Celima estimates that
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OPINION
The opinions expressed in submitted commentary and letters to the editor are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Voice of Pelham.
The Voice of Pelham is a 1211858 Ontario Limited publication David Burket, Publisher 2-1428 Pelham St., P.O. Box 1489, Fonthill, ON L0S1E0
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Larry Coté Climate change is not a small change issue
A
MONG THE TOPICS that occasionally disturb our comfort zone these days is the issue of climate change. Recognition that this issue threatens our very existence has been slow to take hold and measures to combat and resolve the condition are even slower to be introduced. It is disconcerting to observe that the issues around climate change and global warming appear to be an ongoing debate. Consequently, this means there are opposing sides to the issue. One of the effects of this debate is that remediation measures are deferred and made more difficult to implement. It is encouraging to observe that in the face of irrefutable evidence there may be fewer and fewer contrarians who don’t accept that the climate is overheating largely due to man-made activities. Unquestionably, the industrial revolution contributed greatly to the objective of satisfying our almost unlimited wants and needs for material goods. However, that revolution also had the collateral effect of causing harm to our envi-
ronment. The increasing usage of mass production methods required herculean increases in power generation to keep the wheels of industry turning. It was to the advantage of
Such claims by vested interests are déja vu all over again
leaders of heavy industry to deny and sow the seeds of doubt that a large part of climate change was due to unbridled pollution of our soil, air and water as a result of manufacturing processes. Environmental scientists reported that coal-burning power plants and factory smokestacks were major sources of pollutants to our planet. Unfortunately, the advocates to reduce and control pollution were out-lobbied by
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well-financed fossil-fuel interests. Similar battles continue to persist today. For instance, groundbreaking fracturing to extract natural gas from deep in the underground has recently been introduced. Not surprisingly, those who employ and financially benefit from these practices reject claims that such earth-shaking methods could have nasty side effects such as earthquakes, sinkholes and groundwater disturbances. Such disclaims by vested interests are déja vu all over again. Scientists from geological disciplines intimate that the earth’s rising temperature may be fuelling the increasing occurrences of extreme weather events around the globe. Many of these events have resulted in dreadful loss of life and immense property damage. So what can be done to avoid the pending disaster? One thing is abundantly clear. Environmental remediation will be a monumental task and require heretofore untold degrees of intercontinental cooperation. Lamentably, the record of success in matSee CLIMATE next page
Letters Trying to track down family homestead Help. The Pelham Historical Society has been asked to help locate the family home of Annie Loeleta Potter, born in Fonthill May 15, 1873. Annie Potter was the daughter of Dexter D’Everardo Potter and Ann Bullivant, who were married in St. Catharines on October 30, 1872. Annie Potter married Rev. Arthur Clare Eddy in 1901. Their son was Carson Potter Eddy. In 1871, Dexter Potter was living in his uncle Dexter D’Everardo’s household, which would have been on North Pelham Street opposite the Anglican Church. Deed records also show that in March 1873 Annie Potter obtained a $800 mortgage on property described as “one rood, 32 1/3 perches, part Lot 1, Conc.7, known as Lot #4, w. side of N. Pelham St., except for 12 feet sold to A.K. Scholfied,” and, “part Lot 1, Conc. 7, known as Lot #5, w. side of South Pelham St.” In 1876, a $1 sale of these lots was completed. If you have any information on this home, please contact Ian Eddy: ianeddy@hotmail. com Your help is greatly appreciated. Pelham Historical Society
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
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Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900
Mayor of Pelham Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 289-929-2681 Members of Pelham Town Council
Member of Provincial Parliament
Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi mciolfi@pelham.ca 905-892-0077
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755
Councillor Marianne Stewart mstewart@pelham.ca 289-821-0840
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Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 289-929-2681 Councillor Diana Huson diana.huson@niagararegion.ca 905-324-3094 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607
Ward 2 Councillor Ron Kore rkore@pelham.ca 905-933-3805
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OPINION Don't compare apples to oranges, or cannabis to chickens I felt that a response is required to lay out some facts, replying to the comments by Jim Casson ["Don't cry for cherry trees," Letters, Mar. 13, p. 4]. One of my favourite bands,The Moody Blues, had an album called, “Days of Future Past.” So here we are in Pelham, debating our future in cannabis production, future urban development, future of gravel pits on the Kame, and future of agriculture, which all puts pressure on land. Growing up in Pelham, we all knew that we had some of the most fertile land in Niagara, that could grow anything, and that other municipalities that had clay soil envied us. Today, we grow houses, as Town planners have allowed developers to build subdivisions. Development fees and increasing a residential tax base are needed more than ever to try to cover the costs of community centre and our debt, as we were told. The future of cannabis production is being debated, because our municipal council trusted Health Canada to enforce certain regulations, but now you have competition for land that in my mind is encroaching on agricultural food use and resi-
CLIMATE
continued from previous page ters requiring international cooperation is not very encouraging. There is no doubt the ultimate solution will require all individuals to participate in the process of remediation. Each person need be aware of how their activities result in a damaging carbon footprint. It will require a
dential development— a certain collision course for sure. How do you co-exist? The past is just that— like Mr. Casson's claim of smelly chicken barns. Here are the facts: Today’s modern poultry and livestock facilities are built away from residential areas. Poultry has reduced its carbon footprint by 37% since 1976. Canadian chicken is number one in the world per kg. of protein in reduced carbon footprint. We have reduced our water use by 45% and we have 62% of our energy coming from renewable resources. In order to be a “sustainable family farm" these days, there are strict regulations on best practices, management, nutrient management plans, HACCP audits, testing, and being good stewards of the land. Why? Because land is finite. There is no more. It is the right thing to do for future generations. The average poultry barn is about 30,000 sq.ft. The cannabis expansions of CannTrust, Redecan and Leviathan are anywhere from 250,000 to 1 million sq. ft. expected for each—roughly 10 to 30 times the size, with very dense/intense production, on very little land.
fully collaborative approach to determine how to reduce the harm and introduce measures that will renew the health of our environment. For certain, the electorate needs to be adamant that their political leaders underscore measures to eliminate further harm to the environment whenever and wherever these may occur. It’s not a question of if,
Thank You Our family would like to send out a BIG thank you to the men who stopped and helped our dad after he fell on the ice a few weeks ago on Welland Road. In the confusion, he forgot your names. He is now home recovering, but we will always remember your extreme kindness, not only helping him but also with the dogs. Thank you, thank you.
Reaction to water budget
The main issue is that they are expanding towards, not away from, people’s homes. That's part of the problem. The other is their sheer size and density. I believe, as someone who has spent his whole career in livestock, poultry, and supply management farming, that cannabis must follow strict environmental rules. Today, modern state-of-the-art poultry facilities are built away from urban development, not grandfathered in to old ones, as in the case of CannTrust and Leviathan. If you haven't noticed, many or all of the old poultry barns don't even pass today's standards, and have been transformed into storage facilities for people from town to store their extra goods. For cannabis, in my opinion, site plans and full disclosure of intent and expansion need to be required, as do minimum distance setbacks. Environmental, air, water and sewage/nutrient management plans need to be done, but the number-one stipulation should be that the facility be built in the outlying non-urban boundaries of any town, so situations like what is precipitating in Fenwick/Pelham, can prevent another collision course.
when, and why the remedial actions should begin. A more pertinent question is,
The nursery and greenhouse business has been a good agricultural neighbour in Pelham for generations, good stewards of their operations, owned by local farm families. Cannabis seems to carry a whole different set of environmental/ownership challenges as compared to nursery, tomato, cucumber, flower and pepper production. So to Mr. Casson and anyone else, if I had to choose between sustainable food production and drug production, for me food wins every time—and by the way, I do enjoy chicken and turkey and eggs, all with a glass of Niagara wine, in moderation, or milk, all raised and grown with pride by your neighbours, Canadian family farmers. My message to the municipal, provincial, and federal politicians—use our land and resources wisely, and stop the expansion of industrial/commercial cannabis from becoming situated in populated areas, if we are to co-exist. These facilities need to be held accountable to the residents of Pelham, for the sake of my children and my grand-children, since so far it seems Health Canada hasn't been very strict. Rick Kavanagh Fenwick
Last week's story on Pelham's planned increase in water and sewer rates by 42% over five years drew reaction online. A sample: In reading this entire article I can't help but think of the messy issues this current council has taken on. A HUGE thank you goes out to each and everyone of you along with our new mayor. It's a tough road ahead. Pelham peeps now have to face the realities of the actions taken (or not taken) over the last four years. We, as residents, will need to suck up and support the decisions that must be made. Jo-Lou Bradley Via Facebook Bottom line is we have been paying the lowest rates in the Region and now we have to suck it up and play catch-up. It’s not fun but that’s what happens when you don’t pay more a little at a time. This is just an indication of how things will change once the Ford government makes the Region one big municipality. Jim Addario Via Facebook Not replacing or updating aging infrastructure is exactly why our basement filled with sewer water before Christmas. Looks like we all pay in the end, doesn't it? The anti-budget Pelham has been running on for the last decade or so finally collapsed. Shocking! Curtis Cheel Via Facebook
“What kind of world do we want to leave for our children?” ♦
OPENING FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SECRETARY POSITION Pelham Cares Inc. is a non-profit charitable organization which has been providing food assistance, medical transportation and youth recreation subsidies to low income Pelham families, for over thirty-five (35) years. Applications are invited to fill the Secretary position on the all-volunteer Board of Directors. Interested individuals ideally will have: • A commitment to help promote the vision and mandate of our organization; • Experience in a secretary position on a non-profit Board of Directors; • Experience in business management or support; or • Experience in community management or leadership. The Secretary will have responsibility for the Minutes Book, documents and correspondence of the Corporation. He/she will work collaboratively with the President to manage agendas, minutes and documentation for all Board meetings. A detailed position description is available. All Board members are expected to: • Regularly attend all board meetings and important related meetings; • Be informed about the organization’s mission, vision and programs; • Be actively involved, serving on at least one (1) committee; • Attend at least three (3) program events annually. Please note that Board meetings occur at 9:00 a.m. on the third (3) Tuesday of each month (excluding July and August). Interested parties are asked to submit a cover letter and resume via email info@pelhamcares.org, or delivered to our office at 191 Hwy 20 East, Fonthill, L0S 1E0. Questions can be directed to 905-892-5300. For more information refer to www.pelhamcares.org.
The Goodfellow Family
PELHAM HISTORICAL SOCIETY OPEN MEETING
“A Tour of the WWII Memorials at Dieppe and Normandy” Presentation by Earl Clint
SATURDAY, MARCH 23 2:30 PM
at Kirk-on-the-Hill HAIST STREET, FONTHILL
ALL ARE WELCOME Refreshments served
Professional SERVICES Directory Dr. Ken Sawatzky Dental Surgeon
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Page 6
The Voice of Pelham, March 20 2019
COMMENTARY / OP-ED Diana Huson, Regional Councillor Turning over a new leaf at the NPCA
A
S A N E W politician, the last three months have been more than eventful. I put my name forward, and was successfully appointed, as both the Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee, and the Vice-Chair of the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA). The latter of which has been at the forefront of continued public attention and scrutiny since the inauguration of the newly elected Regional Council. Leading up to and during the election, I paid close attention to the NPCA, recognizing it experienced many parallels to the criticisms that plagued the previous Regional Council. There were accusations of impropriety, controversial hirings and firings, and a strong sense of public distrust that has followed the organization for a number of years. Compound this with a 102page special audit by the Auditor General, highlighting management shortcomings and validating a number of public claims, it’s obvious that a fresh set of eyes and a different approach to managing the organization was long overdue. The NPCA is significant to Pelham for a three main reasons. First, the orga-
Letters
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
continued
Beware of Town envelopes
nization is independently governed by the Conservation Authorities Act, and as such can impose a levy on municipalities for the purposes of delivering programs and services that further the conservation,
There is a duty to the taxpayer to ensure that these funds are spent responsibly restoration, development and management of natural resources within our watershed. In turn, the levy is collected by the Niagara Region and forms part of our municipal taxes. As such, there is a duty to the taxpayer to ensure that these funds are spent responsibly. Second, the NPCA provides a number of essential services that directly impact homeowners, such as stream-flow monitoring, water quality assessment and floodplain mapping. Flooding accounts for the largest portion of disaster
recovery costs annually in Canada, and the NPCA has a legal mandate to review and direct development away from flood and erosion prone areas. Floodplain mapping is essential to homeowners as it allows for informed decision-making about personal emergency plans, property improvements and insurance needs. Finally, the NPCA is steward of a number of conservation areas that are housed directly within the Town of Pelham, including sites such as the Comfort Maple, E.C. Brown, Gainsborough, and St. John’s Conservation Area. These areas provide a natural and picturesque landscape that is a setting for a variety of wildlife and visitors. It also provides tremendous value to the community in providing locally accessible areas for wildlife habitat, trails for hiking and biking, bird watching, fishing and nature education. In a world filled with technology and urban sprawl, these local natural sites should be treasured and appreciated for their spectacular scenery and natural beauty. We are fortunate to have them so close to our community and the benefit they provide to our quality of life. Currently Niagara’s 12 representatives on the See NEW LEAF Page 10
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The Swayze Drain meanders through Fenwick, collecting water runoff starting in the downtown area. It is an integral part of flood control. A little over four years ago, the Town had a contractor clean the drain from beginning to end. All silt, weeds, and debris were removed so as to not restrict water flow. The cost of this cleanup was charged to all properties adjacent to and benefitting from the drain. My property is cut in half by the drain, and I paid $522 at that time. I received a letter from the Town (March 8) advising that the Treasurer was doing
the math and determined that I should have paid $302 more than I did at that time. Enclosed was an invoice for $302, payable by March 29. There is no recourse, because if not paid it will be added to my taxes. I am writing this letter to let the people of Pelham know that the Town is obviously combing the books, looking to glean money from past transgressions (there is a 5-year statute). People of Pelham, be very afraid, especially if that official letter from the Town shows up in your mailbox. Charlie Patterson Fenwick
Wellspring responds to parking lot complaint Please accept this letter in response to the submission from Mr. Fred Arbour ["Wellspring no-parking policy is un-neighbourly," Letters, Feb. 27, p. 4]. We feel that this has offered us the perfect opportunity to let the residents of Pelham know how much we already love being a part of the community. We are extremely grateful to the Town of Pelham for their generous gift of leased land, and to the residents from all across the Niagara Region who have financially supported the construction of our new regional cancer support centre. As Niagara’s only cancer support centre, Wellspring Niagara offers free non-medical supportive care to cancer patients and caregivers.
Although we are still under construction, we took occupancy in late December and began offering limited programs in early January. We have heard and certainly respect Mr. Arbour’s addressed concerns about the parking access at Wellspring Niagara to visitors of the Meridian Community Centre. Our concerns with parking quickly became apparent the evening of the Silver Sticks registration night. We were not advised that this event was taking place and that evening we had scheduled visits that were to begin at 6pm. By 5:35pm, our parking lot was filled and all spots were taken including handicap, no parking and drop off zones. The following day and into
the weekend, there were construction crews scheduled to work on the exterior of the building. Thankfully we are being expertly guided by the Town of Pelham Senior Bylaw Officer and the Fire Chief, regarding such things as signage, parking access and liability. Our program roster is ramping up and by April we will be at our full complement of programs with expanded hours of operation that include Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, evenings 6 PM-9 PM and Saturdays from 9 AM to 2 PM. The number of parking spots available at our facility is based on our member and program population and we must ensure that our See PARKING Page 11
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The Voice of Pelham, March 20 2019
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The $109 weekly payment is calculated by dividing the biweekly payments. Payments cannot be made on a weekly basis. Equivalent weekly payments are for informational purposes only. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $3,500 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $20,563. Freight ($1,895) and air conditioning charge ($100, if applicable) included. Taxes, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by dealer and region) are extra. Option to purchase at lease end is $30,384. ¤ Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles purchased and delivered between March 4 and April 1, 2019. 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The Voice of Pelham, March 20 2019
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Tasty end to March Break at Agape Hundreds of hungry pancake hunters turn out for annual event BY JOHN CHICK
T
Special to the VOICE
he weather was a mixed bag last Saturday for the final day of the March Break sugar bush extravaganza at Agape Valley in Pelham. While it started out sunny and bright, it clouded over around midday, and even some flurries were spotted. Yet the still-biting chill in the absence of consistent sunshine didn’t stop hundreds of visitors from coming out for a penultimate day of March Break fun. Dozens at a time loaded onto the hay wagon for rides down to the sugar shack at the bottom of the hill. St. Catharines resident Jo led a family outing of 14 people to Agape Valley. “It’s little bit of a victory celebration for the kids with March break over,” she said, waiting in line for the wagon. At the end of the ride, passengers found maple taffy and other goodies, loading up an already wired group of kids with pure 66 percent sugar. A stray dog briefly added to the bedlam, sending volunteers scrambling in an effort to collar him and find its owner. Back up the hill, chainsaw carver Trevor Koorneef sculpted animal masterpieces, mostly from pine and spruce. The St. Catharines resident had been working at Agape all week, and while he said Saturday looked busy, it wasn’t as wild as Wednesday. “Oh, it was crazy,” he said. “They say every year Wednesday is either a snow-out, or it’s insane. It must be a Wednesday thing with spring break. But it’s been busy all week.” Gathering this information is key, especially if you plan on eating in the Pancake House during March Break. Agape’s Hope Peters has advice for that: “Come before 11 AM or after 2 PM,” she said. Still, that didn’t stop hundreds from queuing for up to 45 minutes outside just to get in the door. When a group finally got their stack of hotcakes, their disinclination to chat with an inquisitive reporter was undertandable. “More than worth the wait,” one man said. At the sweet shop on the way out, Elanor Nigh of Ottawa picked up some maple syrup and candies. “I love maple products. Everything I consume must have maple on it,” she said, possibly not joking. If you missed the fun during March Break, you’ve still got time to visit Agape Valley during maple season. The sugar bush is open the last two Saturdays of this month. Visit agapevalley.ca for more information.
Above, aficionado Josh explains the finer points of maple syrup production. Bottom row, from left: bumbling around the dining room; St. Catharines resident Jo, middle in the orange coat, leads a family outing of 14 down to the sugar bush; an unusually large squirrel; chainsaw carver Trevor Koorneef fashions a bear. JOHN CHICK PHOTOS
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The Voice of Pelham, March 20 2019
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The Voice of Pelham, March 20 2019
NEW LEAF
continued from Page 6 Board, including myself, have been appointed on an interim basis and recently received a three month extension. This will allow us time to identify a process in which the desired skills and competencies of the Board are identified, and the Niagara Region can make appointments that are consistent with these needs. This will also allow for a process to identify and qualify citizen appointments, which can add tremendous value and expertise to the organization.
Whether they participate on the board, a standing committee, or a mixture of both, I believe they are a welcome addition to the team. Much has been accomplished in the past three months. We’ve struck and assembled a Governance Committee to address board shortcomings highlighted by the Auditor General’s report. We’ve also struck a permanent CAO hiring committee, which is engaging with an external search firm to conduct a candidate search that is fair, equitable and unbiased. Ensuring we secure a professional, experienced
G I A N T
and qualified candidate to lead the organization will be essential for future success. Additionally we’ve made changes to the FOI process and will be recommending participation in the sunshine list in an effort to make the organization more transparent and accountable with our public stakeholders. More recently, we’ve appointed an interim CAO and Secretary-Treasurer, Ms. Gayle Wood. Ms. Wood brings over 30 years in conservation experience as a senior executive to the organization and can truly reflect on and benchmark how the organization is performing, as well as identify and recommend the best practices currently in place at other conservation agencies across Ontario. Her addition to our team marks a significant shift in direction and can aid the board moving forward.
While the difficulties at the NPCA did not develop overnight, they will take time to repair. Great strides have been made in the last few months that will have a positive and long-term impact on the organization’s future. I am hopeful we can continue these gains and bring the organization to a point where the environmental services and programming are rightly brought back to the spotlight. We owe it to the organization and we owe it to the staff who work diligently towards our mandate of furthering the conservation, restoration, development and management of our natural resources. The work of the NPCA is important and I’ve been honoured to help turn the page in order to allow the organization to launch forward on a very exciting new chapter. ♦
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Letters
continued
Rallying call to replace the arches My name is Annette Steele and I am an "emerging" Fonthill artist. I have created four paintings over the last few years, celebrating the arches in Fonthill. My reason for celebrating our arches is founded, "on the idea that public gathering spaces are important … for fostering inclusion and connection within communities, especially for the marginalized or isolated.” (Leah Lewis, The Art Hive). It's wonderful that children, people who have mobility issues, parents, young adults, old friends, students, grandparents, etc., can just come to downtown Fonthill to meet, to dance, to eat, to share a glass of wine, a craft beer, whatever your fancy, and do it outside under our arches. I have been a resident of Fonthill for over 30 years, have raised my family and my children here, and over the last few years have looked forward to catching up with old friends under the arches—friends that we spent so much time with when our children were in school, friends that we don't see as much now that our children have moved away to work. We came here when Fonthill was a one-stoplight town and Keith's pies (especially lemon) were famous! Over the years, Fonthill has proven itself to be a wonderful small-town community. The arches had become not See ARCHES next page
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The Voice of Pelham, March 20 2019
Page 11
PREMIER ATTENDANCE It was a Conservative Party fundraiser last Tuesday, at the Heritage Christian School in Jordan, that brought out some big names. From left, Gary Chambers, John Langendoen, Premier Doug Ford, Catherine Kuckyt, MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Pat Norris, and Jan Bishop. SUPPLIED PHOTO
MP Allison needs schooling in the real-world numbers Being bereft of any policy ideas of their own, except for giving global corporations permission to continue destroying Earth, or making their fat-cat friends obese, Mr. Allison and his conservative ilk can only continue with the same, tired, decades-old mantra railing against government, debt and taxes, and push the dour, deficit-scold approach to government of Stephen Harper ["Raising taxes: a Liberl go-to," Commentary, Mar. 6, p. 5]. Such policies are based on the thoroughly discredited work of Reinhart and Rogoff. The $80 billion dollar deficit Mr. Allison states cannot, on its own, provide a macroeconomic perspective of Canada’s economy. The most frequent comparison used is deficit to gross domestic product (GDP). Over the period 20162018, Canada’s GDP was approximately $4.4 trillion dollars, meaning the aforementioned deficit was 1.81% of GDP. This
is within the range economists believe to be acceptable. When spent on social and public infrastructure, it can be considered an investment. Another practical method used to understand government deficits is debtGDP ratio, a measure of a country’s accumulated debt versus economic activity. As of 2017, Canada’s was 89.6%, making it the third lowest in the G7. A World Bank study showed that a debt versus GDP ratio of 77% over a sustained period may result in an adverse impact on economic growth. Canada’s average debt-to-GDP ratio over the period 1980-2017 was 78.07%. This period was presided over equally by Liberals and (Progressive) Conservative governments. Mr. Allison’s jab about balancing a budget leaves out what no conservative wants you know: in the last 40 years, no conservative government in Can-
ada has ever balanced a budget. Not Stephen Harper. Not Mike Harris. Not Brian Mulroney. In fact, Mr. Harper inherited a multi-year surplus from the Chrétien-Martin years and in very short order took Canada back to budgetary deficit. Mr. Allison’s mischaracterization of pollution pricing as a tax, as well as the Conservatives’ unwillingness to force polluters to pay for that privilege, belies their gross indifference to the ever-deteriorating future world multiple generations will inherit if carbon-based pollution continues unabated. Carbon pricing has been determined to be one of the most effective means of getting consumers to move away from a fossil-fuel-based economy. Even Doug Ford has stated we must “make polluters pay.” Patrick Tierney, PhD, MSc, PEng, Fonthill
In search of after-hours medical help Don't get sick on the weekend in Pelham. There are no walk- in clinics open in this area. Why not? Children do get sick after 6 PM, as do adults. Frustration regards patient care in Pelham is growing. Common story: Day 4 of fever, heavy phlegm, sore throat, fatigue and steady cough. Exposed to daycare germs, and one eye was rather red...maybe pink eye? Decided to see a doctor Phoned doctor’s office at 8 AM, left message as requested. Call back stated office closed for next few days due to March break. Told to call Thursday AM for possible appointment on Thursday night. Really. Four days later. Asked about walk-in clinics. First answer: "I don't live here so I don't know.” Really. You work in a doctor's office and have not been given common information any patient
might ask? Asking again and was told to try south Pelham but that it wasn't always recommended because the primary doctor’s office would be charged if not on their roster of patients. Hmm. Travelled to south Pelham drop-in clinic. CLOSED. Stopped in at adjacent Shoppers Drug Mart to ask if they were aware of an open clinic. NO. Stopped at Pancake Lane medical office. CLOSED. Stopped at Boggio Pharmacy on Highway 20. Spoke with pharmacist, who said that it would be great to have correct information as to which medical centre was open or closed and their hours. But he does not. Headed to the Shoppers Drug Mart in Fonthill. Same story, however a pharmacist there informed me that a clinic on Glenridge in St. Catharines has best hours. A suggestion: medical
clinics, broadcast your hours with local pharmacists. COMMUNICATE. As for walk-in clinics, rotate hours so at least one is open in the Pelham area. Hire nurse practitioners to facilitate more availability. Pelham wants to cultivate more residents but the lack of available doctors is definitely a deterrent. This needs to change as a visible problem exists with lack of doctors, lack of available hours, and doctors not taking on new patients. It would help if the clinics had a wait list to offer spots when taking on new patients. Going to the emergency room at hospitals cost taxpayers much more than seeing a local doctor. (Less time and fewer germs spread also.) Pelham's frustration will continue to grow as the condos are built, new residents move here and new retirement homes are built. Our growing population and retirement of some physicians suggest that
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PARKING
continued from Page 6 members, volunteers and program leaders’ have exclusive parking privileges while visiting our centre. Having our new home is wonderful and soon we will welcome the general public to an open house so you can see first-hand how our free programs and services positively impact men, women and children who are living
ARCHES
continued from previous page only an attractive physical identity (which has now been lost,) but also and more importantly to me they fostered and promoted the spirit of "small-town living.” My earliest painting was titled, "Fonthill… where the living is easy," celebrating its bicycling heritage (Steve Bauer) and Pelham's annual bicycle race. A more recent painting is titled, "Cool, small-town living," showing people waving at each other in front of the arches. Over the past few years, the arches to me have offered an endearing sense of community and fellowship, and it's been wonderful to be able to go to the Summerfest and winter market events and see the next generation of parents with their young children, fascinated by the alpacas, lining up for carriage rides, purchasing a Christmas gift from one of our talented vendors, or standing at one of the many tables enjoying music and conversations with friends and neighbors. I think it's very important at this time of Fonthill's rapid growth that we continue to offer a small-town feeling of community and belonging, a place under the arches, "Where We (can continue to) Gather.” Let's rebuild our arches! On that note, I'm sure that many of you are not aware that many years ago the town of Fonthill wanted an indoor skating arena. All they had at that time was an outdoor rink. The skating club executive as well as the hockey club executive decided that they would put forth a huge fundraising effort in order to be able to build this arena for Fonthill's growing population of young families. They, along with the contribution from the Town, succeeded in raising $100,000, which the province matched (we were the first community to be awarded money from the revenue the province was bringing in with its new provincial lottery) and that's how we got our arena. (As Publicity Director for the Fonthill Skating Club for five years, I did a research paper on this, because we were celebrating the 25th anniversary of our arena.) Just as the town at that time rallied to raise funds for the arena, I feel that we too, as a community could rally for all our families in the spirit of inclusion to raise funds to rebuild our arches, thereby restoring not only our place to gather as a community but also to restore our beautiful and distinguishable landmark. Annette Steele Fonthill
with cancer in Niagara. In the meantime we look forward to working cooperatively with our Community Centre neighbours whenever possible - and with enough notice - to jointly accommodate our members and guests of the Community Centre should the need arise. Joe Matthews, Chair Board of Directors Ann Mantini-Celima Executive Director
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Page 12
The Voice of Pelham, March 20 2019
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874 Hwy # 20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 874 Hwy #20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 874 Hwy # 20 W, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0 l Landscape Construction l Driveways, Patio & Walkways Landscape Design l Landscape Design l Landscape Construction l Driveways, Patio & Walkways l Natural Stone l Retaining Walls l Outdoor Wood Projects l Natural Stone l Retaining Walls l Outdoor Wood Projects l Water l Water Features Outdoor Lighting Features ll Outdoor Lighting
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Places of Worship and Events Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick
First Presbyterian Church 602 Metler Rd., North Pelham
Glad Tidings Church of God 1 Pancake Lane, Fonthill
Pelham Evangelical Friends Church 940 Haist St., Fonthill
Concordia Lutheran Church 105 Welland Rd., Fonthill
Fonthill Baptist Church 1414 Pelham St., Fonthill
Holy Trinity Anglican Church 1557 Pelham Street, Fonthill
Ridgeville Bible Chapel 418 Canboro Rd., Ridgeville
Fenwick Church of Christ 765 Welland Rd., Fenwick
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill
Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church 1344 Haist St., Fonthill
St. Alexander’s Roman Catholic Church 50 Pelham Town Sq., Fonthill
Fenwick United Church 1050 Church St., Fenwick
Fonthill United Church 42 Church Hill, Fonthill
Pelham Community Church 461 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church 834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
NURSERY HELP NURSERY HELP
Wholesale nursery growing container grown perennials, vines, nursery flowering shrubs,container evergreens & trees is seeking Wholesale growing grown perennials, who likeevergreens to work with& plants. We are in need of vines,individuals flowering shrubs, dwarf trees seeking part time June)inand full time general individuals who(April, desireMay, a career horticulture. We arelabourers in well as labourers those skilled theasgrowing, management need as of general as in well those skilled in the and shipping of nursery stock. Plant knowledge and experience is growing, management and shipping of nursery stock. an asset but not necessary. If you are an individual who has Plant organizational knowledge and experience is an asset. are skills and dedication as well Ifasyou a willingness an individual skills and dedication to work who as a has teamorganizational player, we look forward to hearing from as wellyou. as aWages willingness to work as a team player, we look will commensurate with experience. Resumes forward to be hearing from you. Wages will commensurate may emailed to hr@willowbrooknurseries.com or dropped with experience. mayofbe8:00a.m.-4:00p.m. dropped of between the off betweenResumes the hours Monday to hours Thursday of 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m. Monday to Thursday orat: 8:00a.m or 8:00a.m -12:00 noon on Fridays -12:00 noon on Fridays at:
Willowbrook Nurseries Willowbrook Nurseries Inc. Inc. Attention: Resources 935 VictoriaHuman Ave., Fenwick, ON Attention: Human 935 Victoria Ave.,Resources R.R.#4 No phone calls Fenwick, ONplease. L0S1C0
(Wephone thankcalls you for your We application, however No please. thank you for your application, only those considered will be notified.) however only those considered will be notified.
Planning for a "severe" gypsy moth season BY JOHN CHICK
Special to the VOICE
The nemesis that is the gypsy moth appears poised for a big comeback this year, but plans are underway to try and stem the pest from consuming swaths of Pelham foliage. Paul Robertson, of Trees Unlimited, held an open house on Sunday at the Old Town Hall, giving landowners information and an opportunity to sign up for spraying. Dozens attended. “All the indicators at the moment are showing that
the infestation is going to be quite severe,” Robertson said. “We have huge egg mass numbers from central Pelham, Short Hills, all the way to Six Nations, including West Lincoln, north of Cayuga … so we’re spraying across that whole corridor.” The gypsy moth — technically, Lymantria dispar dispar— is non-native to North America, but has been spreading in fits and starts since being introduced to the continent in 1869. This is the time of year when egg masses will be-
come more and more visible. Gypsy moth caterpillars also change looks as they grow, developing bumps along their backs with coarse black hairs. According to a federal government website, during the larval stage, a single gypsy moth caterpillar can eat an average of one square metre of leaves. The most effective treatment is to spray via aircraft, given that many of the caterpillars are found high in trees. While trying to remove the egg masses man-
ually helps, the caterpillars can still blow several kilometres. “I spent the entire winter scraping egg masses off my property” Pelham resident Peter Van Caulart said at the open house. The aerial operation to spray bacillus thuringiensis (BT) also requires that any landowner who wants to be sprayed must notify their neighbour. In many cases, the neighbour will want to be sprayed as well, but if See MOTHS back page
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Page 13
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905-892-8690 CUSTOM MILL
Portable sawmill service. I will come to your home or farm and custom mill your logs. Firewood & lumber also available. Call Rob Patterson, 905-401-4948, riverwood@primus.ca
If yourDOG message to Pelham WANTED Wanted isn’t in our pages, Pure bred large breed dog (Cane Corso, Presa Canario, Neo.
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Mastiff) for country home companion. P.O. Box 22005, RPO Riall Heights, Niagara Falls ON L2J 4J2
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7 SPRU FONTH items, clothes sonable 30, 8AM
Yard SALE, Bricklaying, tuckpointing, of Chr decora step repair, granite coatings, brick slices items, 1PM 6 P18-28 905-682-7061. FLOORING NORTH
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ing grounds of Quebec’s musical past. Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos blend boundless energyREPAIR with the unmistakable joie deBIKE vivre found MASONRY CLUBonly in traditional Quebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m. Niagara Freewheelers ALLTYPE MASONRY
Bicycle Touring Club open house is April 10 at 7 pm. PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Wet and damaged basement repairs. Niagara Region, East Make cards with fall themes,orlearning a variety ofBuilding, techniques. Materials Phone Tomsix Deamude at 289-241-4767 905-892-1924. Schmon PKWY. are provided. Atconstruction time of registration, about needed. Learn about tools our bicycle club, 35 years of experience. please enquire see bike shop displays, win Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead. Visit www.pelhamprizes and meet people. PERSONAL TRAININGfor more details. Doors open 6 pm. Chance library.on.ca or call 905-892-6443 to sign up for membership. Carrier Fitness Brick, Block, Stone and Chimey repairs.
Certified Personal Trainer/Nutrition Coach FABULOUS FENWICK LIONS FISH FRY Fat loss, muscle building/toning, healthy and YOUR AD HERE Tasty treats with funds heading straight back into the community. Haddock, OCNA Network Classifi ed Ads sustainable eating habits. french fries and much more.(AD Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. Reach thousands of CENTRAL) “I help women look and feel their best” Please visit www.carrierfitness.com of PELHAM MINOR HOCKEYWeek EQUIPMENT or email hana@carrierfitness.com March 18
readers with a Voice classified! Up to 30 words for only:
SALE Buy, sell or trade used equipment at the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide cheaper options for playersPosted in this upcoming season. Runs Sept. 6 from TAX INCL. March 14 9-12 in the morning.
$10
Central OLD PAPERS PELHAM MUDFEST Region Ads included Do you run have on old the issues of the Men and women will be back in the mud as the second year is Voice published from 1997 to held at Bissil’s Hideaway. 2007? How about the Pelham
Josh DeHaan Flooring “For all your flooring needs”
We offer in-stock specials: • pre-finished hardwood
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Phone: 905-892-7898 Fax: 905-892-4811
No Sunday Calls, Please TF This ad is to be printed by all participating Herald (any year). We'dOntario love to papers add them to our archive. Contact: publisher@thevoiceofpelham.ca
NIAGARA REGIONAL EXHIBITION Rodeo, games and live entertainment headline this years exciting event. It runs from Sept. 11-14 at the Welland Fairgrounds.
qr
BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept. areFamonly two fundamentals 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay in Niagara and support the There Walker of great advertising. ily Cancer Centre.
&
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WALKING CLUB Interested in walking in Pelham? Join them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There is no fee for this program. For more information, please contact jcook@ pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329.
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Niagara's Global Climate Strike centered in NOTL BY LAUREN O’MALLEY
Niagara Independent News Association “Let's hear it for the world,” shouted Lianne Bertoni Lambert. The mother of three held a sign that read, “Wake up world, there is no Planet B,” standing with two dozen protesters on Four Mile Creek Road, in front of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Town Hall. Friday, March 15 was the day for a worldwide Global Climate Strike, wherein children and youth everywhere were encouraged to walk out of school and let their elected officials know how disappointed and angry they are about the lack of government action regarding climate change. In some cities, these events are taking place weekly, in some monthly. In Niagara it came as March break was winding up. The movement started when 15-year-old Greta Thunberg decided to stand in front of the parliament buildings in her native Stockholm, Sweden every Friday, demanding social and climate justice. Thunberg has since been nominated for a Nobel prize, and has spawned worldwide action. That action included Niagara, with local youths and their parents letting politicians — as well as any passers-by — know about the dangers of ignoring climate change. “This is great. Everyone's excited and proud to be here,” said Lianne, beaming with enthusiasm and pride. “It's an important issue. This is pretty cool.” Her three children were among the strikers, and the organizers. Her daughter Kaitlyn, 13, said, “I’m a firm believer in our generation changing the environment.” Kaitlyn’s sister Morgan, 12, add-
ed, “It feels good, it means a lot to be here. Our resources are limited, it's getting harder to live on this planet. If we know positive changes are happening, we won't have to worry anymore.” Morgan had some suggestions for ways to begin to address the issues. “Recycle, reuse clothes, reuse stuff. Bring your own thermos to coffee shops,” she said. “We could try to shut down some factories and use them for more environmental purposes. We could close down some clothing factories and see what people would do. I'm wearing my mom's sweater from 1993, and hand-me-downs from my older sister.” Simona Berardocco, 11, said, “People have to start realizing that someone else is not going to fix their problems.” She also had suggestions for what could be done to make things better: “Raise gas prices so it's more expensive to drive. Make more biking paths. Make traditional cars more expensive, and electric cars less expensive. Find alternative fuel sources.” Kaitlyn was inspired by Thunberg when she wrote about her for a current events assignment at school. She decided to coordinate the event with her friend Elena Berardocco, 13, and their combined siblings. “I didn't expect too many people,” she said, surprised by the turnout — which included several local politicians, including Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates. Kaitlyn’s suggestions for beginning the work on tackling climate change include better transit
Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates, left, speaks with protesters last Friday in Niagara-on-the-Lake. available to kids, and “more renewable energy sources for public buildings.” Devon Fornelli came from St. Catharines with his son Paolo, having found out about the event online. “We have to show the government representatives that this is important to us,” he said. “The environment is everywhere. We’re stuck in it.” When Niagara-on-the-Lake Councillor Norm Arsenault replied to Lianne’s invitation to politicians to join the strike, the girls began to realize this was real, said Lianne. In an email, Arsenault said, “Kaitlyn and Elena and all children around the world need to be congratulated for taking a stand and saying ‘Enough, governments, you are messing up our futures.’”
Rahel Schmitz, mother of Elena and Simona, said, “This is their first exposure to this kind of thing. I think this is a valuable exercise.” Rachel believes this kind of action is very important for her children. “This is not just about confidence. They have never known the climate we have. This is their norm — these extreme temperatures and crazy winds are their normal,” she says with frustration, the wind howling around her and blowing signs out of the kids’ hands. “We need to unite and address the issues. No blaming, no finger-pointing, let's just fix it and fight for it. I think this is something that can bring us together.” In terms of the actions the family is taking at home to fight climate change, Rahel said, “I’m very conscious of plastic, of the car I
LAUREN O'MALLEY PHOTO
drive. We have reduced our meat consumption. The little things all add up and you gain momentum. A lot of hesitation comes from feeling overwhelmed, and the fear of giving up all of your creature comforts. Rather, how can I keep my creature comforts but also all other creatures can keep theirs? How can we all benefit?” Rahel, Lianne, and other parents at the protest said they will support their children in any future strikes. “I’ll drive them if they want, or they can walk,” says Rahel, “but it has to come from them.” Arsenault summed it up: “Grown-ups need a smack in the head. Climate change is here, there’s no doubt about it. People are still polluting like there's no tomorrow.”
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The Voice of Pelham, March 20 2019
POLICE BRIEFS
COUNCIL
continued from Page 2 with other area facilities. For instance, it currently costs $20 an hour to rent one of the courts. Answers were somewhat eyebrow-raising, considering the community centre is essentially brand new, and supposedly stateof-the-art. “Many teams would rather not play in our gym because we have glare [off the floor],” vanRavenswaay said. “We do have some challenges with the lines.” The user fee increase for the courts, she added, would further raise user costs compared to gyms in older schools in the area. “These rates are actually a little higher. We are also proposing to charge a rate for use of the equipment too,” she said, citing basketballs and badminton nets. Ward 3 Councilor Bob Hildebrandt attended the committee meeting via Skype from a presumably warmer locale, something Junkin had fun with at the end of the proceedings. While the entire room could hear Hildebrandt, only Junkin and Town Clerk Nancy Bozzato could see him on a laptop screen pointed at them. “Next time you Skype in,” Junkin said, with mock solemnity, “please put some clothes on.”
Boat, truck stolen less than a week apart
On February 27, around 9 AM, a break and enter was reported at a residence in the 100 block of Daleview Drive in Fonthill. The home was broken into when an unknown suspect forced their way inside. On February 27, a complainant in Fonthill called Niagara Regional Police to report that a stolen cheque had been used fraudulently in her name. On March 1, around 7 PM, the theft of a vehicle was reported in the vicinity of Highway 20 and Station Street in Fonthill. The complainant called police to report that while they were at work, their grey GMC Sierra pickup truck was stolen from a parking lot. On March 6, around 4 PM, the theft of a boat was reported in the vicinity of Pancake Lane and Cherry Avenue in Fonthill. The complainants called police to report that their 17-foot Aztec Crow watercraft was stolen from their driveway while they were at work. The red and white boat was on a trailer, which was dragged clear of the driveway.
WELLSPRING
continued from Page 3 membership grows by 10 to 20 percent a year. Engagement is high as well. Those 860 people counted for 7,000 program attendances last year. That’s a remarkable number considering that Wellspring only employees five staff members, with the rest serving as volunteers. Mel Groom is one of those volunteers, and as President of the Fonthill Rotary Club, community service is nothing new to her. “It was a natural fit,” she said of joining the team at Wellspring. “I’m really proud the Town gave
Banners to honour Pelham war heroes Legion expects high interest in applications BY JOHN CHICK
Special to the VOICE
Last November, Fonthill Legion branch services chair Rick Hatt and his wife, Cathy, were driving up north for a getaway. In the town of Mount Forest, they came across a novel tribute — individual street pole banners which honoured that community’s wartime heroes. “We’re always looking for things to remember the sacrifice they made, and we thought, this is perfect,” Hatt said last week. As soon as the couple got home, they began the process of bringing the idea to Pelham. At the February 19 council meeting, the Town approved the project, which will place a double-ended banner on 13 equipped light poles along Pelham Street in Fonthill. That means 26 service people with a connection to this community will be honoured with a banner featuring their photograph, name, era served, and sponsor. The goal is to hoist the banners during Veteran’s
the land to build this.” Central to Wellspring’s vision is a non-institutional feel. People dealing with cancer don’t want to feel like they are back in a clinical environment. And while the fact the building is brand new helps, in many ways it feels like walking into a spa. A comfortable great room with a fireplace opens up to a beautiful chef’s kitchen, where members can get — and eat — nutritional meal ideas through Wellspring’s “Nourish” program. Across the hall, another room hosts music therapy and quilting seminars. A fully-equipped gymnasium next door is one of only two places in all of Niagara that
He focuses on providing manual physiotherapy techniques along with movement awareness, mobility, strength, and conditioning exercises to allow his patients maximum exposure of efficient and effective movement. He specializes in orthopedics, treating patients of all ages and with various methods of injury. He has a special focus on sports related injuries and has experience working with athletes from recreational to national levels. Dave currently works Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30pm – 6:30pm, Friday from 11am – 2pm, and on Saturday mornings from 8am – 11am. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dave, please call the clinic at 289-897-9099.
Week in October, keeping them up through Remembrance Day observations, until the Town’s conversion to Christmas decorations. However, now comes the hard part: selecting the veterans that will be honoured this year. The Legion has set a deadline of July 1 for applications, and response has already been strong. “Response has been good, and we just got all of the approvals from command to do this,” Hatt said. “Certainly most of the veterans I’ve seen all want an application. I suspect we will have a waiting list in a month or so.” All are invited to apply as sponsors if they have a surviving or deceased veteran in mind. The cost of a sponsorship is $175 per banner, which covers production and storage. “We’ve formed a partnership with the Town, and they’ve been great,” said Hatt. “They’re going to place, and take down and
provides oncology physical rehab. While a doctor’s referral is needed for that program, it’s growing so fast that Mantini-Celima says there’s now a waiting list. At the other end of the building — called the “quiet wing,” as it’s away from the yoga studio and the more social setting — a sunny library features comfortable sofas. Reiki therapy is provided down the hall from that, something staff say that those in active cancer treatment find very comfortable. “People don’t want to go back to the hospital to get support,” Mantini-Celima said. “When you come here, you feel comfortable. They form friendships and connections.
THE Accelerated Health and Wellness Centre welcomed David Griffiths, Registered Physiotherapist to our team in March of 2018. Dave graduated from D’Youville College in 2011 and has been a practicing physiotherapist since that time.
Page 15
store the banners for us.” The banners will be made of durable material and should last anywhere from three-to-five years. Ultimately, Hatt would
We wanted to create a home-like setting.” The original idea for Wellspring came from Anne Armstrong Gibson, a Toronto lawyer, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in her 40s. Her main goal was to remove the sense of isolation that so many people fighting cancer — and their loved ones — face. While she passed away in 1995, she wanted to build a model that could be shared, rather than a bureaucratic system. Today, the Niagara branch is one of eight Wellsprings across Canada. “The medical system doesn’t have the time to do the care that’s done here,” Groom said.
Wounded
like to see the project expand to other local thoroughfares, including in Fenwick and Ridgeville. As it stands now, there are 13 poles on Pelham Street equipped with the necessary hardware for the banners, hence the number decided on. “It would be great to see — I’d have to work with the Region on this because they have Highway 20 —but it would be great to get them on 20 just by the Legion,” Hatt said. “That would be utopia.” This year marks 74 years since the end of the Second World War, and, sadly, that means fewer and fewer veterans remain from what Tom Brokaw once coined “the greatest generation.” Hatt says that the Fonthill Legion is down to fewer than 30 veterans who served in that conflict, pointing out that all of them are now well into their 90s. “Every time I go to the nursing homes, there’s a little less,” he said. Application forms for sponsorship are available at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 613 in Fonthill, and at Town Hall. Hatt can be reached at 905-892-6100 for more information. Pictured: A sample banner design, courtesy Rick Hatt.
“It’s not a depressing place at all,” Mantini-Celima added. “It’s uplifting. People can be themselves when they come here.” Wellspring’s door is always open — seven days a week — for those whose lives have been rocked by a cancer diagnosis. “It takes a lot of courage for someone new to walk through that door,” Groom said. Just as importantly, volunteers are always needed, and visitors are welcome to come and see Wellspring in action. To learn how to apply for volunteer positions or for more information on the programs offered to those living with cancer, visit www.wellspring.ca/niagara
alking with Brett Ullman
Brett Ullman addresses how to walk back towards healing and away from our emotions, feelings and thoughts that are keeping us paralyzed in life. No shame, fear or hiding is required as we are safe to journey towards healing together.
C E L E B R AT I N G 1 2 Y E A R S
Hot Cross buns are back, now through Easter Weekend
THERE IS HOPE FOR THE WALKING WOUNDED. Brett Ullman speaking on “The Walking Wounded”
March 24, 2019 at 4:00 pm
Bethany Christian Reformed Church 1040 Balfour St., Fenwick Refreshment will be served afterwards
11 Highway 20 West, Fonthill (905) 892-9466 Hours: Tues-Fri, 8-3; Sat, 8-2. www.indulgencebakeryfonthill.com
Page 16
The Voice of Pelham, March 20 2019
COLUMN SIX
continued from Page 1 A narrative begins to emerge. Again so familiar: a young man out for the night with his friends, socializing, drinking, perhaps consuming other substances. A young man just doing so many of those commonplace things that so many members of so many generations do. But now there’s no financial activity, no presence on social media, the phone has gone dead. The boy is gone. Just, gone. That’s all we know. “Gone.” The family mobilizes a preliminary foot search. We meet where he was last seen, a cluster of ordinary people confronted with extraordinary circumstances, doing whatever they can. “I’ll walk my dogs along here.” “We’ll walk east down the trail.” “I’ll take my ATV over there.” Every pair of boots on the ground helps, but I wonder if some here are searching for more than the boy. I see his parents bombarded with probing questions about his actions and associates, questions I’m sure the police have already asked numerous times. I wonder if the inquisitors harbour a quiet fantasy of cracking the case in Aurora Teagarden fashion, of gleaning out that one detail that brings all to the triumphant “aha” moment in a neat two-hour package. I push my cynicism aside—we need those boots on the ground and we need those eyes searching. My cynicism leads to introspection, and I realize that maybe my search isn’t all it appears to be either. I realize I’m not here today to
look for this young adult male. Fifteen years suddenly fall away and I’m looking at my newborn son, impossibly huge blue eyes wide-open, a tiny hand grasping my finger. I remember the sheer bliss, love and contentment on my wife’s face as she took her firstborn to feed for the first time. At that moment I finally understood the cliché: only a mother can truly understand a mother’s love. I’m here today because I’ve seen it firsthand, I’ve been awestruck by its depth, and I can only imagine the depths of a mother’s despair when deprived of that love. So I walk this long, cold trail, hoping that somehow my little effort can help bring that little baby back to his mother. The search that day turns up nothing. Some answers, more questions. More hugs, more sympathetic words, more whispered suppositions. My wife and I end up alone with the mother for a few moments. I stay to the side, qualified only as a spectator in affairs of maternal love. The mother retells the tale by rote, clearly numb from the crushing weight pressing on her. My heart wrenches sideways as she suddenly concedes that her boy might be dead. Her composure breaks, her face shatters, a window broken into a million pieces by a rapidly swirling storm. What little comfort that can be given, is given, and we head back home, fortunate to be counted among those who can pack up their sorrow for another day. The next search organized by the family is better organized and better equipped. I’m impressed at the turnout, several days af-
ter he’s gone missing. In today’s instant news cycle, it must be an uphill battle to keep someone’s name in the forefront. In the last week alone I’ve seen three other posts for missing people, stories of human remains found, and yet another suicide on a local bridge. We fan out across fields, down city streets, and along the lakeshore, talking to homeowners and distributing posters. Anything remotely resembling a lead is shared and dissected. Again I consider who I’m searching for. This 19-year-old is technically a man, an adult, responsible for his actions and decisions. Did he make a poor choice that night? Did he cross paths with the wrong people? Did he willingly or unwillingly consume something that altered his state of mind? I don’t know and I don’t care. I’m not looking for him. I’m looking for the boy who said his first word to mom. I’m searching for the boy who got on the school bus the first time, then looked back at mom until the bus was out of sight. I’m looking for that beautiful little kid who scored his first goal, or made his first speech, or his first drawing, and always looked for his mother’s praise first. I’m looking for that boy because in my heart I’m sure that’s what every mom always treasures. Only a mother may truly understand, but I can make a reasonable guess. I’d move heaven and earth if it were one of my boys missing. In this case all I can move is my own legs, and I hope it’s enough. As we walk past the intersection of Lost Lane and Prospect Point, the irony is all too obvious. Later in the afternoon, a car drives
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca by with a plate that says “NVRGIVUP.” I don’t believe in “signs,” but I do believe in metaphors. At this stage, seemingly inconsequential items take on importance. A blue plastic snow shovel, an abandoned bicycle, a tennis shoe. All might mean something, but most are likely irrelevant. The second search ends up like the first. Answers are in short supply. Questions persist. The light of hope is still there, but dimmed, shaded by history and experience and statistics. My wife and I return home. Predictably, our boys are downstairs playing video games. The dogs, yet to be walked, look longingly at leashes. Freshly issued report cards sit in their unopened envelopes on the kitchen counter, awaiting our judgment. Both boys are wonderful people and above-average students. I think of all the times I’ve coaxed them to do better, and the guilt I’ve felt knowing they just wanted acceptance and acknowledgement of a job well done. I remember too many times where inconsequential things took precedence over time together. Only a father can understand a father’s regret. We call the boys upstairs, recap the day, and review their reports. I very gently remind them that we always want them to reach their full potential, but my words feel hollow. So I gather them close, hug them tight, and tell them that we will always love them. Unconditionally. Only a parent could understand. ♦ Everyone has a story. Tell us yours for a future Column Six. editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca
Moths set to be particularly bad this year continued from Page 12 they refuse, the operation could still proceed, delicately. “If permission is not given by adjacent landowner, first of all we’d decide if we can even spray it at all, and then if we can spray it without getting any product on their property —often you’re talking about a house and a pool, some very sensitive areas,” Robertson said. “We’ll decide whether or not how much inside the property boundary we would have to spray. Now we have literally sprayed tens of thousands of people over 30 years, and we’ve never had anyone object to BT.” BT is considered a biological pesticide. “It’s a soil bacteria, basically mixed with molasses,” Robertson said. “You’re eating BT on carrots and unwashed vegetables. It is the only pesticide registered by organic growers in Canada and the United States. The long and the short of it is, it’s also the only one you can spray over urban areas.” The Town sprayed Hillcrest Park in Fonthill by helicopter with the product last year. Robertson and Trees Unlimited were also due make a presentation to council at Monday’s meeting.
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