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Region to Pelham: Hand over the audit Column Six Lenders to be
Coping with stress, Mad Men style
warned of potential change in Pelham books BY SAMUEL PICCOLO and DAVE BURKET
The VOICE
Niagara Regional Council passed a motion regarding Pelham’s finances at its meeting last Thursday night. The motion, which was the product of a special session of the Region’s Audit Committee held last Tuesday, calls on the Town of Pelham to release the KPMG audit alleged by former Councillor Marvin Junkin to have occurred this summer without previous notice to Pelham Town Council. [Editor’s note: Readers wishing to follow last week’s events in chronological order are invited to stop here and see the first entry in the Publisher’s Corner, p. 2, before continuing on.] The motion also deferred any Regional consideration of additional Town debt— which includes the third portion of community centre funding—until the audit is released, and instructed Regional staff to inform Infrastructure Ontario that “there may be a material change in the Town of Pelham’s financial position.” All of the motion’s clauses passed with wide majorities. Discussion of Pelham finances occupied nearly two hours at the beginning of the meeting, with Council first hearing a presentation from residents Nancy Beamer and Bernie Law on behalf of the advocacy group Pelham See RELEASE IT Page 10
BY PAMELA ROBB
Special to the VOICE
M
Pelham Mayor Augustyn, left, responds to Nancy Beamer and Bernie Law, at the podium, on Thursday.
SAMUEL PICCOLO PHOTO
Urgent Regional Audit meeting on Pelham revelations Committee virtually unanimous in its expression of alarm
At an emergency meeting on Tuesday morning, the Niagara Region Audit Committee called on the Town of Pelham to release the audit reportedly conducted by KPMG this summer into Town finances. The audit, which is said to have shown an additional $17 million in hidden debt, was first disclosed by former Councillor Marvin Junkin, who resigned in protest from Pelham Town Council last week. Committee Chair Tony Quirk began by explaining his rationale for calling the meeting. “Allegations were made in the local paper,” said Quirk, “and at that time I reached out to the [Region’s] CAO and asked a series of questions covering
BY VOICE STAFF the impact of the allegations on the Region.” CAO Carmen D’Angelo’s responses concerned Quirk enough that he called the meeting to consider these impacts. Members of the Committee began by questioning Regional staff about the implications of the allegations made by Junkin. “My name is on that document,”
said Regional Chair Alan Caslin, referring to a financing agreement between the Region, Pelham, and Infrastructure Ontario. “I want to know what I signed for. Does staff require any further information?” The Region’s Acting Commissioner, Jason Burgess, responded. “We rely on the certificate from a Town’s Treasurer. If there is an audit—if more information is coming—we would review that.” Caslin asked whether he could withdraw his support for the debt authorization. Burgess replied that the document had already been committed See COMMITTEE Page 6
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Y F I R ST-GR A DE teacher, Mrs. Bailey, age 60ish back in 1960, during the school day would often go into her teacher’s closet, beside the coat hooks, cubby holes, and boot boxes at the back of the classroom, and do what looked to me like staring, or talking into a paper bag. As a six-year-old, I thought it was strange and very mysterious behaviour for the only adult in the room to do. I remember after school one day asking my mother. “Mom, how come Mrs. Bailey is always looking or talking into a paper bag in the teacher’s closet after recess?” My mother, standing at the kitchen sink, whirled around so fast her skirt twirled up, and she shushed down on me so vigorously that I was showered in a spray of saliva. As the mist dissipated, she said in her I-mean-business-younglady voice, “Don’t you tell tales on Mrs. Bailey, and if you are not fibbing, you had just better mind your own business, and stop asking silly questions!” And that was the end of that. No more trying to solve the mystery of Mrs. Bailey’s fondness for paper bags, until I was much old-
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The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
PUBLISHER’S CORNER by Dave Burket
Getting it all in order: Newspapers like to put the latest news first, which is why our lead story above the fold is last week’s Regional Council meeting. However, it was actually the third in a trio of meetings last week that addressed Pelham’s recently exposed financial woes. If you’d like to start from the beginning, then head first to the emergency Audit Committee meeting held on Monday, Urgent Regional Audit meeting on Pelham revelations, p. 1, then move to Pelham Town Council’s fumbling attempt on Wednesday to keep the audit genie in the bottle, Raucous reaction at special Town Council meeting, p. 14, then finally return to where you started on the front page for Regional Council’s spit-roasting of Pelham on Thursday evening, Region to Pelham: Hand over the audit...We know, we know: Yes, suddenly it’s Auditpalooza, all audit, all the time. The trouble is that when a town decides to conceal $17 million dollars in debt it’s the sort of news that can’t be swept aside, or at least ought not to be. That’s well over the entire annual budget for Pelham. One imagines that if Hamilton managed to misplace an amount equivalent to an entire year’s spending, and then engaged in a cover-up, news media from here to Gabriola Island would be all over it...Strange deGym doesn’t like waiting: I ran into Fonthill Fitness’ resident wit outside the Fonthill LCBO on Saturday. Strange said he’d just spent an eternity waiting in line as a single cashier ministered to the thirsty hordes. “These people make $30 an hour to punch buttons and check IDs. You’d think they could move it along.” My experience was similar, though a second cashier did finally appear—which ought not to be a hard call at midday on a Saturday. That said, if it means cheaper booze, I can live with waiting a little longer in line to pay for it (ah, but to dream)… Not the good old days: On that topic, Pamela Robb’s Column Six this week is a cautionary tale, not a prescription… The Turkey Lotto is on: This coming Friday at Fire Station #1, Fonthill, your chance to win a big bird. Entry is free. Enjoy “famous” sausages (no autographs please) and a 50/50 draw. Starts at 7:30 PM… Musically inclined: For a small town we sure enjoy our share of live music. Between Pub on the Hill (p. 5) and the new Peter Piper’s (p. 6) you can imbibe to a beat Wednesdays through Sundays. (Is there an alcohol theme developing here? Well, it is the holiday season. And, you know, $17 million)…A “traditional Canadian” winter: The weather experts again predicted this week that the coming winter will be a snowy one across the land, unlike last year’s fake-out. Just in time, a new snowblower tune-up and repair shop arrives on scene. Check out the reasonably priced Trevor Crozier (p. 14) on Canboro Road…Fifty four years ago today: Dallas. What would the world look like now had JFK lived. A toast to him, and to us all. Bottom’s up.
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As is customary for him, 2016 Kinsmen Citizen of the Year and Fonthill Sobeys owner Ron Kore refused to pose for a ceremonial photo with Niagara Nutrition Partners on Wednesday morning. Sobeys is the primary sponsor of an annual golf tournament that benefits Niagara Nutrition Partners, which provides healthy food to students at schools in the region. Last June’s event raised $18,000 for the organization, and last Wednesday Sobeys employees Alicia Corey, Michael Jacques, and Vicki Kohli made the ceremonial cheque presentation in Kore’s bashful place. (Fonthill Sobeys raised an additional $3000 for the program in the fall.) “Every year I think that this could be the last year for the Sobeys tourna-
Kirkpatrick estimated that the Partners’ have programs that provide healthy food to 17,000 students in 85 to 90 percent of the region’s schools across the four boards (Public, Catholic, French Public, French Catholic). “Because we don’t want there to be any stigma attached to using the program, it’s open to everyone. Kids don’t want to be embarrassed—they don’t want to be pointed to and told, ‘You need this.’ So they can all come with their friends,” Kirkpatrick said. To function, the program relies on 800 volunteers, many of whom are students at the schools where the breakfast and snacks programs are in place. Niagara Nutrition Partners will be hosting its other large fundraiser, the Breakfast Gala, in the spring.
ment,” said Anne Kirkpatrick, the Partners’ Program Manager. “And every year Ron says, ‘Nope.’” Kirkpatrick said that the program receives only 15 percent of its funding from the government, and so must fundraise the remaining 85 percent. “We piecemeal this together, from the United Way, from Rotary Clubs, and from other places. ” she explained, adding that funds are needed to buy freezers and refrigerators in schools to preserve the food provided.
Police board meeting
The next Regional Municipality of Niagara Police Services Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 23, at 8:30 AM. The meeting is being held at Welland City Hall in Council Chambers (Civic Square) located at 60 East Main Street, Welland, Ontario. Police say that members of the public, Council members, and community groups in Welland are invited to attend and speak with the members of the Police Services Board, the Chief of Police and senior police staff.
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Column Six
Growing up British
Vol.20 No.32
Wednesday October 12, 2016
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BY JULIE MANNELL
Special to the VOICE
W
BALLOONING INTEREST Grade 6 student Jinja Shepherd explains her experiment on static electricity at the Glynn A. Green Public School's annual science fair last Friday. See story, page 3. NATE SMELLE PHOTO
Public meeting tonight on school issues BY VOICE STAFF As questions continue to mount regarding an email that Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn quietly sent to a District School Board of Niagara trustee last summer, Augustyn has agreed to address the issue at a public meeting scheduled for this evening, Wednesday, Feb. 8, in Fenwick. Nancy Beamer, speaking for “Names Matter,” a Pelham citizens group lobbying the DSBN to reverse its decision to rename a local public school, confirms that the meeting will be held at Fire Station #2, known locally as the Fenwick Fire Hall, starting at 7:00 PM. While the Mayor has agreed to ap-
Under pressure, Mayor to address email revelation, other E. W. Farr matters pear, says Beamer, DSBN officials associated with the school-naming process have either declined to attend or have not yet responded to the group’s invitation. DSBN Chair, Dale Robinson, to whom Augustyn’s email was addressed last June, has declined to appear, says Beamer, asserting that she would be
“on holidays.” The Voice was unable to independently confirm Robinsion’s intentions. She did not respond to repeated requests for comment on E.W. Farr-related matters before presstime. Beamer, whose group maintains an email list of some 580 residents, says that all members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting. “We would especially welcome parents and children who are unhappy with the name change,” she says, referring to the contentious decision by the DSBN to consolidate two Pelham See MEETING back page
HEN I WAS young, my father and I would go for long drives along the rural routes of Pelham. We’d blast George Thurgood and roll down the windows because we loved the smell of the breeze, the sensation of crisp Niagara wind beating our cheeks and tangling our hair against our summer-kissed skin. My father was not a sentimental man. He worked in factories and had a Gordon Lightfoot mustache and never shed tears over injuries. Yet something about the Pelham landscape, the hilly backdrop to his childhood and the childhoods of our ancestors, drew him in. He’d stop by a farm or a gathering of woods and, surrendering his manly veneer, tell me a story about the town. This place is precious. This is the earth that granted us life. Here is the place where we happened upon love or here is a site of devastation. On one particular drive sometime in the late ‘90s we stopped at a tree with a plaque. “This tree looks dead,” I said to my father. “It sure is getting there, Julie.” The Comfort Maple is supposedly Canada’s oldest See COLUMN SIX Page 14
Part 2 of 2: Coronation to embarkation
BY VOICE STAFF
A construction error was discovered following the opening of a traffic calming chicane on Haist Street north of Hwy 20 last Monday that prevented large vehicles from passing through. One resident living in the neighbourhood said he contacted the Town after seeing a small schoolbus get stuck as it tried to get through the new traffic calming measure. Later that day while driving behind a cement truck, he said that he became concerned for the public’s safety when the truck had to turn around because it couldn’t get through. “If a small school bus and a cement truck can’t make it through what about a fire
BY HEATHER McLAREN ROHRER
Special to the VOICE
A
Repair measures underway last week to correct a construction error in the chicane. truck or an ambulance?” he said. While waiting for the contractor to return to fix
the mistake, the Town has taken measures to temporarily allow passage for vehicles through the neigh-
VOICE PHOTO
bourhood in the short-term. Manager of Public Works Ryan Cook said that after discovering the issue with
the chicane the morning it first opened, the Town See CHICANE Page 5
Petition-inspired changes coming to 2017 Summerfest BY NATE SMELLE
The VOICE
Representatives from the Pelham Summerfest committee Candy Ashbee and Bill Gibson presented council with a final report on the 2016 Summerfest at the Council meeting on Monday, Nov. 21. Prompted by a story in the Voice in August about a merchant petition to move Summerfest from Pelham Street, in September Town staff met with various stakeholders to hear their complaints, promising at the time that changes in the way Summerfest was mounted would be con-
sidered. The main concerns identified during the community engagement process were security, parking, ensuring customer can access all businesses in town, and liability for damages. How to get all Pelham Street businesses to participate and finding ways to make it beneficial for them to set up a booth were also determined to be of high priority for the committee as they plan for next year’s event. Gibson told Council that the committee is addressing these concerns in a variety of ways. To improve parking, they intend to create bet-
ter signage for out-of-town visitors to designated parking areas and shuttle services. To make participation in Summerfest more enticing to local businesses, they plan to implement a tiered-charge for booths. Under the new system, Pelham Street business owners will be charged the least, other local businesses will pay a slightly higher fee, and vendors from outside Pelham will pay the most. In response to more specific issues for individual businesses, they will also slightly alter the footprint of the event and make adjustments to security. Another way the committee plans
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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
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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Column Six
BY VOICE STAFF The District School Board of Niagara is requesting that the Town of Pelham cede a portion of Cherry Ridge Park for use as a soccer field to serve the students of the new Wellington Heights Public School, formerly the E. W. Farr Memorial Public School, in Fenwick. Currently under renovation and expansion, the new school will combine students and staff from the previous school and Pelham Centre, where classes are being held while construction continues. Two letters, containing virtually identical text but signed by different authorities, were sent last week to nearby residents of the park, as well as to parents of Pelham Centre students. “The DSBN is currently building onto Wellington Heights Public School on Alsop Drive,” states the letter. “The size of the school's addition means the existing small soccer field will be eliminated. The Town and the Board have been discussing the possibility of working together to create a field for both the school and the
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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 90-Day Administrative Driver’s License Suspension and are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle on a roadway. The public is encouraged to contact the Niagara Regional Police Service Traffic Safety Hotline or Crime Stoppers to report those who are driving in contravention of the suspension. The following individuals have been charged criminally with impaired driving by alcohol or drugs, driving with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs of alcohol in 100 ml of blood, or refusing to provide a breath / blood sample. Mark S. KOWAL, 25, St. Catharines Paul D. VALENTINE, 61, Mount Clemens MI Michael P. HASSON, 32, Amherst NY Michael E. McLELLAN, 43, Welland Kenneth SORLEY, 73, Niagara Falls Edward T. METCALF, 42, Kitchener Kayla J. MEYER, 28, Welland Jessica ROWE, 24, St. Catharines Jacob J. P. PIRSON, 22, Welland James JACKSON, 54, Stoney Creek Brian E. SEGUIN, 46, Niagara Falls Joseph A. RILEY, 48, St. Catharines Jamie W. BURNS, 28, St. Catharines The Niagara Regional Police Service is committed to reducing impaired driving offences through education and the apprehension of offenders through enforcement programs like RIDE. Impaired driving is still the leading cause of criminal deaths in Canada and destroys thousands of lives every year.
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Ross McCarthy at Port Burwell, Ontario, touring the HMCS Ojibwa. Make for periscope depth!
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 Peter Piper’s Pubhouse DeVries Fruit Farm Beamer’s Hardware & TV Fonthill Library Black Pearl Fish & Chips Bob’s Boys Antiques Moku’s Family Health Pharmacy Fonthill Fitness Fenwick Pie Company McDonald’s Fonthill Legion Semenuk’s Gas Bar Target Store Tim Horton’s Giant Tiger Pelham Town Hall Pub on the Hill Zee Lube Express Care Lazy Loon Minor Bros Stores Avondale Stores A-1 Market Sobeys South Pelham Grill on Canboro Renewed Thrift & Vintage Ridge Berry Farm Circle-K
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The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
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Pelham firefighters help hurricane relief Damm and Kita make trip to Maria-ravaged Dominica BY VOICE STAFF In early September, Ben Damm, a volunteer firefighter in Fenwick, was speaking with Vernan, a seasonal agricultural worker. “There’s another storm coming towards Dominica,” Vernan said of his home island. “And I don’t think that it’s going to be spared this time.” A few weeks before, Hurricane Irma had largely been gentle to Dominica, an island in the East Indies less than half the size of Niagara with a population of 75,000. Hurricane Maria was not gentle. For some two weeks, the outside world had no contact with the people of Dominica. At least 27 died. During Damm’s three previous visits to the island—vacations— he had gotten to know members of the fire department in Roseau, Dominica’s capital. When he finally managed to get in touch with the fire chief, the news was not good. The entire force had been working non-stop since the hurricane, and it was struggling with its limited equipment. Though Damm had immediately wanted to go down and help, he also needed to make sure that he wouldn’t be an added burden on the strained situation. Once the fire department assured him that this wasn’t an issue, Damm rushed to plan the trip. He asked around the Pelham Fire Department to see if others wanted to accompany him, and Joe
Kita from the North Pelham station volunteered too. “It was all arranged within a week,” says Damm. “Even though we had no formal fundraiser, we had a lot of last-minute donations.” Damm and Kita collected and bought over 250 pounds of supplies, from flashlights to a new chainsaw to 250 packages of oatmeal. “The water supply isn’t reliable there right now. So we brought water purification straws—which can make drinking from a river safe, and work for one thousand litres,” says Damm. Damm and Kita first flew from Buffalo to St. Lucia. “We called JetBlue before and explained the situation, and why we were going to have such heavy baggage. And they covered all of our bags,” says Damm. The two spent a night in St. Lucia and then took the ferry to Dominica in the morning. Ferries to the island are irregular, and Damm and Kita had to decide between staying for three and half days, or eight. They chose three and a half—but made the most of the time, sleeping on cots on the second floor of the fire hall, which had little power and was missing half its roof. “The firefighters were all so generous,” Damm says. “One said that his house would be more comfortable and offered it up to us. But we said we’re not here on
Homes were ravaged by large waves, wind and swelling rivers. SUPPLIED PHOTO vacation.” On their first day, Damm and Kita went for a drive around with the fire chief to see the damage. Even though the clean-up had been ongoing for several weeks, the state of the place was still shocking. The roofs of many homes had been torn off, and whole houses collapsed. Trees had been stripped of almost all vegetation, and while the roads had been cleared of most debris, many were still covered in mud. Damm and Kita spent much of their time pulling water from the river into the fire truck and using it to wash the roads. A lot of
Dominica’s economy depends on cruise ship tourists. “Their goal is to have those cruise ships back in January, because they need that inflow of money,” says Damm. The Pelham Fire Department told Damm and Kita to take their uniforms, and the two wore them as they went out on calls. One emergency they went out to see was a rockslide. “The fire department runs the ambulance service there, too,” says Damm. “And the rockslide had blocked the road. We had to carry people in stretchers over the blockage and to another ambulance on the other side. We
were looking up at the wall and could see other things loose. All of that could have come down at any time—these are things that you just don’t think about in Fenwick.” The disparity between the equipment in Roseau and his equipment back home made Damm uncomfortable. “I almost felt guilty showing them pictures of our stuff,” says Damm. Driving back to the station after another call, the Dominican firefighters passed a park where a boy was being robbed of his backpack by a group of other kids. “They were only about eight or ten,” says Damm, “and we went and broke it up. Usually the crime rate is so low there, but people are being brought to the brink by the storm’s damage.” Despite these incidents, Damm says that the island’s residents were overwhelmingly optimistic. “They don’t take any of the international help for granted, and most people are working really hard every day just to make things better. And the situation is getting better.” Damm laments that Dominica, an independent country that was once a British colony, might not be getting the same attention as that devoted to Puerto Rico, with no “big brother” to look to for assistance. Damm hopes that a permanent partnership can be established with the fire department in Roseau, though for now he is working on keeping Vernan in Canada past the date when he is supposed to return to Dominica. “Temporary workers are only allowed to stay for eight months,” says Damm. “But in Dominica, people are lining up for relief still. Even if [Vernan] has to go back, we want him to at least be able to send a barrel of supplies so that he can live.”
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Page 4
The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 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
As We See It Hope, truth, and consequences
L
EGAL AND POLITICAL affairs are not always as they appear. They aren’t static, either. Sometimes the two evolve predictably, and at others times chaotically. Often in politics—as in sports, commerce, and war—there are moves made whose objectives won’t become apparent until they break out into the open, the end-game revealed. Timing is key. If confidentiality is compromised, the outcome may be seriously impaired. For this reason, no organization operating in secret welcomes a whistleblower. This is especially true in political circles, where secrets are kept in support of cover-ups, but may also be kept strategically, their premature release carrying the potential to lay tactical plans to ruin. It must be the sincere hope of every Pelham ratepayer that former councillor Marvin Junkin has mirrored Chicken Little, as his detractors would have us believe— though these detractors have notably gone quieter in recent days, as two more councillors appear to confirm the existence of a summer audit, Richard Rybiak in particular.
Ratepayers naturally hope that the sky is not falling, that worries over the state of Town finances and future property taxes are baseless.
Council doubtless realizes the need to tread carefully, especially if Junkin’s revelations turn out to be true They hope that when the dust settles over the coming weeks, their besieged Mayor, Council and senior staff will emerge vindicated, having in retrospect conducted themselves in a manner that is above board and in the best interests of the public, as is their sworn duty. Mayor David Augustyn and the remaining councillors are displeased with Junkin because he has violated Council’s internal code of conduct. Junkin shared something Council says he shouldn’t have. Thus far,
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no one has said that Junkin is wrong. If anything, the Town’s reaction suggests that Junkin is all too correct. Council doubtless realizes the need to tread carefully, especially if Junkin’s revelations turn out to be true. Any legal recourse sought by a Mayor and Council already beset by suspicious residents will be perceived as vindictive. The past and present players in this unfolding saga — Junkin, Augustyn, Barrick, Papp, Pupo, Ottaway, Durley, Baty, King, Accursi, Rybiak, Quirk, Quinlin, Larmour, Druzina, Harley, Hannah and Hummel —are characters in a larger drama whose last act is far from written. Legal counsel for the Town compares the situation to a jigsaw puzzle in which all the pieces have yet to fall into place. Junkin has said some of the pieces were deliberately hidden between the sofa cushions. Words like “innuendo” and “allegation” and “legal privilege” are being flung defensively, when what matters to Pelham stakeholders is truth. In the last two weeks truth hasn’t been provided so much as it’s been spun. See TRUTH next page
Letters Who’s the boss? It should be as simple as this. Mayor Augustyn, the rest of Council and staff are the employees of the citizens of Pelham. How can anything be confidential from the employer? But with politics the people who keep them employed, the taxpayers, have to mind their own business. Too many layers of government, too much money for the regular taxpayer. Cer-
Let the hunters hunt It’s odd or weird or both that people don’t understand history, tradition and rights. [Short Hills deer harvest begins, Nov. 15, p.3] Allow the hunting, it’s a celebration for what the earth provides. Folks don’t complain or
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protest when they pick up a slab of packaged meat in the grocery store. It’s their right to hunt and it’s a right to protest. Oh deer! Rod Scapillati Via Facebook
CONTACT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS Member of Federal Parliament
Electoral District: Niagara West
Dean Allison, MP 4994 King Street Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 Dean.Allison@parl.gc.ca 877-563-7900
Mayor of Pelham David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Members of Pelham Town Council
Member of Provincial Parliament
Ward 1 Councillor Richard Rybiak rrybiak@pelham.ca 905-892-2105
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP 4961 King St. East, Unit M1 Beamsville, ON L0R 1B0 sam.oosterhoffco@pc.ola.org 905-563-1755
Councillor Marvin Junkin mjunkin@pelham.ca 905-684-4870
Electoral District: Niagara West-Glanbrook
Members of Niagara Regional Council Councillor David Augustyn mayordave@pelham.ca 905-892-2607 Ext 317 Councillor Brian Baty brian.baty@niagararegion.ca 905-892-5317 Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square P.O. Box 400 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 905-892-2607
Ward 2 Councillor Catherine King cking@pelham.ca 905-658-8599 Councillor Gary Accursi gaccursi@pelham.ca 905-892-5528 Ward 3 Councillor John Durley jdurley@pelham.ca 905-892-5388 Councillor Peter Papp ppapp@pelham.ca 905-328-6008
Community Centre project updates: www.pelham.ca/pcc
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tainly no transparency, and if litigation follows then the Town is Pelham will be on the hook for the legal bills and any monetary shortfall. In other words, the taxpayer or employer of the local government—the people who things have to be kept confidential from. Pearl Grewal Via Facebook
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The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
Page 5
OPINION Letters
continued
Appreciates the coverage
The Emperor invites the public for a preview
The cover-up
A huge thank you to the staff at the Voice of Pelham. It is your outstanding reporting, writing style, accurate and well-written articles that have made our local newspaper one of the most appreciated and wellread papers in all of Niagara. It is clear from the variety of articles, forums and columns in our paper that all of you remain committed to representing every resident in Pelham. Research proves two things about good reporting: The best stories are more complete and more comprehensive. They contain more verified information from more sources with more viewpoints and expertise. You have earned the respect of your readers with your continued commitment to transparent reporting. You have created a forum for exchanging ideas and linking events to their impact on the community. Our community paper is filled with information that enables people to draw an honest picture of what is going on in and around Pelham.
The patient Pelham public were invited into the royal boudoir at Town Hall on Wednesday night for a sneak peek at the Emperor’s new clothes. While the complete suit is not quite ready yet, the entourage of hired tailors held up various swatches of fabric(ations) while the Emperor and his sycophantic minions oohed and aahed over them. It had come to the Emperor’s ear that a child had said his new vestments weren’t all that was claimed, so rather than make his public wait for the great reveal on November 29th, he decided to tantalize and titillate by modelling small accessories, all the while promising that the whole outfit would live up to (or beyond) expectations
Well, our Mayor and Council have done it again. They held a special meeting last Wednesday to consider the breach of confidentiality of a former councillor. They paraded out a lawyer who stumbled along trying to sound authoritative and threatening, but, in the end, stated what we all knew: Councillor Junkin did nothing wrong when he made public the damning financial information that
TRUTH continued from previous page Property tax increases in Pelham are already outstripping inflation. The residents of Pelham are impatient and worried and need to know about their Town’s financial situation, not least because it has a direct impact on their own. They also want to know whether someone inside Town Hall
The best stories are more complete and more comprehensive
To all readers: If you have not made a voluntary subscription to the Voice of Pelham, please take the time and do so. Take out a subscription for a family member, friend or neighbour. Give a subscription as a gift to someone you know who cares about what is happening in our little town. Please support our local paper. We need it to keep us informed and to help us hold those who manage our tax dollars accountable. Carolyn Botari Pelham
at the grand parade. Reactions to the preview weren’t exactly what the Emperor had hoped for, but he still claimed that everyone would be astonished and amazed when he appears fully turned-out with his cortege following him to keep his train out of the mud. It is entirely likely that the townsfolk will be astonished, though perhaps not in the way that the Emperor thinks, and it is to be hoped that the childish voice that set this in motion will be there to be heard above the crowd, saying quietly, I told you so. Stephan LeCook Fenwick
See COVER-UP Page 14
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misrepresented Pelham’s financial condition so as to qualify for loans to fund the construction of the new community centre arena— and if so, whether doing so constituted criminal fraud. There is talk of a police investigation, which as of press time the NRPS would neither confirm nor deny. Residents want the truth. They want it now. Consequences, if any, can wait.
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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The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
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COMMITTEE continued from Page 1
Since when is the financial position of a municipality a confidential matter? When did that happen? How does that work?
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this, ‘Look over here. Look over here.’ No. [Pelham residents] don’t want to look over here. They want to know what’s going on. Someone’s just got to deal with the financial situation of the Town,” he said. “I don’t know if it’s the Ontario government, I don’t know if it’s Infrastructure Ontario, I don’t know if a commissioner comes in. But I know from the number of emails that I’m now getting from people in Pelham—I’ve got people from Pelham quoting parts of the Municipal Act in emails to me. I’ve never had anyone from a town send me emails quoting from the Municipal Act. It tells me the depth of their concern.” Maves ended by listing a series of questions that he said needed answered, including when Town Treasurer Teresa Quinlin contacted KPMG to commission an audit, why Town Council was not informed of this audit and who was informed of it, and when Quinlin or others learned of the audit’s results. “Let’s just get to the bottom of it so these people” — meaning the Pelham residents in the gallery—“can sleep at night.”
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Councillor David Barrick directed the committee’s attention to a clause in the Financing Agreement that would allow Infrastructure Ontario to annul the agreement with the Town should certain financial circumstances change. Barrick suggested that this could occur “if the Town has not met the requirements in place when we approved thirty-six million in debenture for the arena.” “Community centre,” said Augustyn under his breath. Barrick later asked Augustyn, indirectly, if the Town had borrowed from its own reserves, to which Augustyn replied that information would be released on November 29. “At least that’s what I understand,” he said. Barrick also asked Augustyn about the proposed sale of Town-owned land in East Fonthill, asking whether a public consultation meeting is planned. “Part of the plan for funding the community centre is to sell off part of the land purchased in 2005,” said Augustyn. “Will we hold off? I’d have to talk to Council. I don’t know why we would.” See COMMITTEE Page 8
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it was all about the NPCA. I didn’t know that Mayor Augustyn had a part of Ed Smith’s attacks on the NPCA. But I got accused of it. Mr. Hummel got accused of it, other councillors got accused of it. I’m pretty sure that Marvin Junkin doesn’t care about the NPCA. I’m pretty that the people in the audience don’t care about the NPCA. I’m pretty sure the people that showed up at a meeting a month ago and offered to pay for the audit so that it would be truly independent and exhaustive don’t care about the NPCA. Hopefully now that misdirection is done with.” Maves continued. “Now, apparently, there’s been an in camera meeting—don’t know why it was in camera—where it was learned that the new Treasurer was concerned after just a few weeks.” Maves lamented the fact that, apparently, the Town had decided not to advise the Region and the public of a material change in the Town’s finances and instead decided to make efforts to cover up the situation. “Instead of just dealing with the situation, they start to talk about a breach of confidentiality. It’s again
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curred in 2016. Maves outlined the concerns that he and other councillors had then, objections that were apparently overruled by Regional staff, who, according to Maves, said that the Region wasn’t in a position to reject Pelham’s requested debenture. “I just want to remind everyone that concerns were expressed, and attempts were made,” said Maves. “The second thing I want to say is that I’m really tired of dealing with the Town of ‘Penn and Teller’—instead of the Town of Pelham,” referring to the famous pair of Las Vegas magicians. “Because there’s so much misdirection that’s gone on around this.” Augustyn raised his hand on a point of order and asked that Maves apologize. “No, I won’t apologize for that,” said Maves. “I don’t find that out of order, and I’m sure you’ll file a compla…” he trailed off. Quirk broke in. “Councillor Augustyn, we’re all prone to hyperbole during political discussions, and I don’t find that a disparaging remark.” “I’ll explain that statement,” said Maves. “The secret of a magician is to misdirect you. They’ll do a trick over here,” he said, gesturing with his hands on one side, “And then make you look over here,” he continued, moving his arms to the other side of his body. “Great magicians are great at this. The first piece of misdirection was that
PET E
gustyn. “We will hear from Town lawyers, who will lay out a way forward.” Gale was displeased with the response. “I would love to start a fund to support Councillor Junkin,” said Gale. “I hate the intimidation.” The crowd of about 40, which was made up almost entirely of Pelham residents, applauded Gale’s offer, before Quirk reminded them that such displays were not permitted. “There’s just one question that’s been in my mind in going through all of this,” said Councillor Selina Volpatti. “Since when is the financial position of a municipality a confidential matter? When did that happen? How does that work?” “The financial statements of a municipality are not confidential information,” said Burgess. “Exactly,” said Volpatti. “So how can [Junkin], whom I certainly credit with courage in doing this, be blamed for revealing information that should be public anyway? It just doesn’t make sense to me now, and it never will…. Surely seventeen million dollars in debt cannot be confidential. I really look forward to this being tested in court, because if that’s the law now, then maybe it should be changed.” Councillor Bart Maves said that he wanted to address the matter in several ways. Maves first recalled the initial discussion about Pelham’s finances that oc-
17 .20
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to. “Given the information before us today,” said Caslin, “I’m feeling deceived. I’m sorry for authorizing [the agreement] on behalf of Council. I wish I hadn’t.” Niagara Falls Regional Councillor Bob Gale asked Regional staff similar questions, before indirectly asking a question of Mayor Augustyn, who is also a member of the Audit Committee and was present. “Has the Mayor or Town misrepresented—deliberately or by accident—the thirty-six million dollar debenture?” he asked. “I think that there’s a lot of people who are responding to the newspaper article,” answered Augustyn, “where there is not enough information. The former councillor has made allegations based on his understanding of an in camera meeting, dealing with a personnel issue, or solicitor-client privilege,” Augustyn said. “The [financial] statements from 2016 have not been misrepresented, and the documents from the Town are correct.” Augustyn added that “other items that the community wanted to hear” are coming on November 29, when a special meeting of Town Council has been scheduled receive the results of a different audit, this one into a 3.3 acre real estate transaction in East Fonthill. Gale asked Augustyn whether the Town’s scheduled special meetings were all a result of the allegations made by Junkin. Augustyn explained that the November 29 meeting had already been planned, but that the meeting scheduled for Wednesday evening, November 15, was prompted by Junkin’s revelations. “The meeting tomorrow night will cover the alleged breach of confidentiality,” said Au-
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Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) and credit value depends on model purchased: $500 credit available on: 2018 MY Terrain; $750 credit available on: GMC Acadia, Canyon (excluding 2SA model), 2017 MY Terrain; $1,000 credit available on: GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon and Yukon XL. Offer is transferable to a family member living within the same household (proof of address required). As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada) to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GM Canada dealer for details. GM Canada reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice. 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Credit is a manufacturer to consumer incentive (tax inclusive) and credit value depends on model purchased: $1,000 credit available on: GMC 2018 MY Terrain; $1,500 credit available on: GMC 2017 MY Terrain, Acadia, Canyon (except 2SA), Savana, Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon and Yukon XL. Offer is transferable to a family member living within the same household (proof of address required). As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada) to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GM Canada dealer for details. GM Canada reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice. 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Total Value consists of $7,350 manufacturer-to-dealer (tax exclusive) delivery credit, $500 OPD Credit, $500 manufacturer-to-dealer Black Friday Bonus (tax exclusive) and $1000 manufacturer-to-consumer GM Card Application Bonus (offer applies to individuals who apply for a Scotiabank GM Visa Card [GM Card] or current GM Card cardholders) (tax inclusive) Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $37,946. Taxes, $1,700 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning charge (where applicable), PPSA, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies and duties (all of which may vary by region and dealer) are extra. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time financing offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. (Finance) Eligible 2017 Canyon: Lease based on suggested retail price of $25,135, includes $750 manufacturer-to-consumer GM Card Application Bonus (offer applies to individuals who apply for a Scotiabank GM Visa Card [GM Card] or current GM Card cardholders) (tax inclusive) and a manufacturer-to-dealer $500 Black Friday Bonus (tax exclusive) towards the retail cash purchase, finance or lease for an eligible new 2017 GMC Canyon at participating dealers 0% interest rate purchase financing for up to 84 months on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. $0 down payment is required. Total obligation is $18,654, plus applicable taxes. 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 $17,381. See dealer for details. Discounts vary by model. Dealer may sell for less. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. General Motors of Canada Company may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. Offers may not be redeemed for cash and may not combined with certain other consumer incentives. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia (Lease) Eligible 2017 GMC Acadia SLE-1 AWD: Lease based on suggested retail price of $39,695, includes $750 manufacturer-to-consumer GM Card Application Bonus (offer applies to individuals who apply for a Scotiabank GM Visa Card [GM Card] or current GM Card cardholders) (tax inclusive) and a manufacturer-to-dealer $500 Black Friday Bonus (tax exclusive) towards the retail cash purchase, finance or lease for an eligible new 2017 GMC Acadia SLE-1 AWD at participating dealers. Bi-weekly payment is $189 for 48 months at 0.5% interest rate on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. $300 down payment is required. Total obligation is $19,949, plus applicable taxes. 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 $17,112. See dealer for details. Discounts vary by model. Dealer may sell for less. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. General Motors of Canada Company may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. Offers may not be redeemed for cash and may not combined with certain other consumer incentives. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia.(Lease) Eligible 2018 GMC Terrain SLE FWD: Lease based on suggested retail price of $32,040, includes $500 manufacturer-to-consumer GM Card Application Bonus (offer applies to individuals who apply for a Scotiabank GM Visa Card [GM Card] or current GM Card cardholders) (tax inclusive) and a manufacturer-to-dealer $500 Black Friday Bonus (tax exclusive) towards the retail cash purchase, finance or lease for an eligible new 2018 GMC Terrain SLE FWD at participating dealers. Bi-weekly payment is $159 for 48 months at 0.9% interest rate on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. $1,500 down payment is required. Total obligation is $18,076, plus applicable taxes. 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 $13,799. See dealer for details. Discounts vary by model. Dealer may sell for less. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. General Motors of Canada Company may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. Offers may not be redeemed for cash and may not combined with certain other consumer incentives. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. 1 Sierra 5-star Overall Vehicle Score applies to 1500 series vehicles. U.S. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). 2 Visit onstar.ca for vehicle availability. Services and connectivity vary by model, conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. Requires active OnStar service and data plan. Data plans provided by AT&T or its local service provider. 3 The OnStar Basic Plan is available on eligible new and pre-owned vehicles equipped with OnStar 4G LTE hardware for 5 years or the remaining term. The Basic Plan is transferable to subsequent owners for the remaining term. It includes the monthly Diagnostics Report emails (capabilities vary by model), Dealer Maintenance Notification, access to select vehicle mobile app features and more. Your vehicle must have been compatible with the vehicle’s mobile app prior to the OnStar 4G LTE hardware upgrade, if applicable. This plan does not include emergency, security or navigation services. These and other services require a paid or Add-On Plan. Visit onstar.ca for vehicle availability, coverage maps, details and system limitations. Available 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot requires WPA2-compatible mobile device and data plan. Data plans are provided by AT&T or its local service provider. 4 Full functionality requires compatible Bluetooth and smartphone, and USB connectivity for some devices. Data plan rates apply. 5 Not compatible with all devices. 6 Comparison based on wardsauto.com 2017 Small Pickup segment and latest competitive information available at time of printing. Excludes other GM vehicles. 7 The 2-Year Scheduled LOF Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada who have purchased, leased or financed a new eligible 2017 MY Chevrolet, Buick or GMC vehicle (excluding Spark EV) with an ACDelco oil and filter change, in accordance with the Oil Life Monitoring System and the Owner’s Manual, for 2 years or 48,000 km, whichever occurs first, with a limit of four Lube-Oil-Filter services in total, performed at participating GM dealers. 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Page 8
The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
Letters
COMMITTEE
continued
continued from Page 6
DEBT help request This is your chance to hold the Town accountable. Did you submit a question on the audit to KPMG? Did you submit a Freedom of Information Request to the Town? Have you written the Town with a question you didn’t get a satisfactory answer to? Do you feel the Town has listened to your comments about public land sales or the new arena? DEBT is compiling a detailed inventory of questions that all residents have at one time or the other submitted to the Town of Pelham seeking answers to your important questions. You can help us to help you. All you have to do is submit your questions and the date which you sent them to the town. We will take it from there to get the answers. Email to: debt.pelham@gmail.com Curt Harley Pelham DEBT
Barrick asked about the Town’s response to Junkin’s allegations. “I see that with Councillor Junkin there have been threats of criminal or quasi-criminal action. The laws that the Mayor has referred to are both concerning fraud. Is that what he’s accusing Councillor Junkin of?” “We’re not accusing anyone of fraud,” said Augustyn. “The sections point to breach of trust. This is why I’ve called a special meet for tomorrow evening, when legal counsel will outline this publicly to Council.” Before ceding the floor, Barrick addressed Junkin, who was sitting in the front row of the gallery. “I see former Councillor Junkin in the room,” said Barrick. “I applaud him. Don’t be intimidated. You have a lot of support here.” Later, Gale addressed
Junkin and asked where in the crowd he was. When Junkin raised his hand, the gallery broke into applause. “If you have the facts, I’m proud of you,” said Gale to him. Pelham Regional Councillor Brian Baty, who is not a member of the Audit Committee, sat in on the meeting, and rose to give comment. “I find significant irony in the fact that I was severely chastised [by Pelham Council] in July for recommending a full audit, when Council didn’t even know that an audit was already ongoing,” he said. Baty also expressed his dismay that, according to Junkin’s account, wrongdoing was not investigated during the reported summer audit. Barrick tabled a motion that called for the Region to inform relevant lenders of a potential material change in Pelham’s financial position, for the Town
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www.thevoiceofpelham.ca to provide the summer 2017 KPMG audit to the Region, and for the Region to defer consideration of future Pelham debt until after the summer audit and other material had been shared with the Region. The motion also asked Pelham to hold a public meeting on any potential sale of the East Fonthill lands presently on the auction block. Barrick’s motion received unanimous support from the rest of the committee—aside from Augustyn, who said that the Audit Committee should not be making decisions based on “hearsay and rumours” published in a newspaper. “I think that by expressing concern and notifying lenders, the Audit Committee would not be doing this based on facts but on rumour and hearsay. This is not what people expect of an audit committee,” he said. He was alone in voting against these elements of the motion. On the parts of the motion that called on Pelham to release the KPMG summer audit and other rele-
vant documents, Augustyn abstained from voting, saying that he wasn’t sure where his voting upon those clauses would be legal. Regional Council will consider the Audit Committee’s recommendations Thursday evening, during its regularly scheduled meeting. “I want to highlight that Councillor Augustyn said this was based on hearsay,” said Barrick, “but we haven’t heard anything to the contrary from the Town. It’s not fair to say that it’s based on hearsay, considering the history, and the things included from former Councillor Junkin.” Before the meeting adjourned, Quirk pointed similarly to the absence of a denial from the Town. After the meeting ended, Quirk commented, “If the Town is pursuing this as a breach of confidentiality, then it’s an acknowledgement that the allegations are true. If they weren’t true, the response wouldn’t be that it was a breach of confidentiality— the response would be that they’re false.”
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The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
Page 9
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Page 10
The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
Nancy Beamer and Bernie Law, presenting on behalf of the advocacy group Pelham DEBT, speak to Regional Council last Thursday evening. VOICE PHOTO
RELEASE IT continued from Page 1 DEBT. Regional Chair Alan Caslin welcomed the two to the podium, though reminded them that there was a ten-minute limit. Beamer, who read the presentation, kept well within those ten minutes, making concise statements. “Everyone in this room knows the problems with Pelham’s finances—the problems with transparency,” Beamer said. “Pelham DEBT is a group of citizens concerned with the conflicting stories. Good or bad, we just want the truth.” Beamer said that DEBT is concerned about the apparent “fire sale” of Town assets being done to mitigate the Town’s reportedly poor financial condition, and add-
ed that Pelham DEBT is calling for a “complete forensic audit on the Community Centre, including an examination of the relationship between the Allen Group, Steven Kaiser & Associates, and affiliated companies.” Pelham Mayor Dave Augustyn shook his head at several points throughout Beamer’s speech. After Beamer finished, and she and Law were questioned by Councillors, Law said that at the Town’s special Pelham Council meeting held the night before, residents asked the Mayor and CAO if there had been a summer KPMG audit, and did not receive an answer. “I have another Councillor saying, ‘I do not remember,’” said Beamer. The crowd behind her, the vast majority of whom were Pelham residents, laughed.
Councillor Gary Burroughs asked Beamer if she thought that all questions were going to be answered in the Town’s November 29 report promised by Augustyn. “No,” said the crowd in near-unison, but Beamer was more circumspect. “It’s very hard to know,” she said. “The transparency and openness within the Town are very limited, and residents are very doubtful about anything that they’re hearing. If two more weeks go by, things get covered up more and more.” When responding to a question from Councillor Tony Quirk, Beamer said, “In my reading of the Municipal Act, if a Town commissions an audit, is it not responsible to provide details of that audit within sixty days after it’s brought forward?” Caslin asked Regional staff to answer Beamer’s question, but staff were unable to provide an immediate answer. (Earlier in the week, Councillor Bart Maves said, “I’ve got people from Pelham quoting parts of the Municipal Act in emails to me. I’ve never had anyone from a town send me emails quoting from the Municipal Act. It tells me the depth of their concern.”) At various points during questioning, Beamer emphasized that there was not political motivation to Pelham DEBT’s inquiries. “When all of this started in the spring, we went back and spoke to [Town] Councillors. They assured us that everything was in order, and
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at the time I was satisfied. I emailed each one of them saying that I supported their stance. As time has gone by, and there’s been more, conflicting information, my stance has changed.” “If there’s more debt, let us know. We’re not children who need to be placated. There is no political agenda for myself or anyone else. We want to know what our children are facing down the road, and whether we’ll be able to afford to live in Pelham. It’s not a witch hunt, and we’re not trying to oust the Mayor, or disparage Councillors personally,” Beamer said. Several councillors, including David Barrick and Sandy Annunziata, asked questions of Beamer that would have allowed her to more vehemently criticize the Town, but Beamer repeatedly declined to take the bait. “They are good people and they went in with good intentions,” she said, looking over to Augustyn as she spoke. “But somehow there’s a freight train that went out of control. I don’t think that there was any intention of misleading people, but the audit needs to be brought forward.” Law said that to his knowledge, a commissioned audit must pass Council, then move to tenders, then be sanctioned. “Council didn’t know about it,” said Law. “It just happened.” “If there was an audit sanctioned, it should be in the minutes. People should be able to go back in the minutes and see the trail. Is
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca that the way it works?” said Beamer, looking over to Augustyn. “That’s the way it works,” said Augustyn. “Is there a trail then [for the summer audit]?” asked Beamer. Augustyn didn’t answer. Law and Beamer answered questions for about an hour before returning to their seats among the dozens of other Pelham residents. The next item on the agenda was the Audit Committee’s report from its Tuesday meeting, which included the motion that called on the Town to release the KPMG summer audit. Augustyn spoke first. “I would ask that this motion be deferred until after November 29 and the information and documents then. The reason I’m doing that is because the Committee is doing is basing its information—” “Wait a minute,” interrupted Caslin. “If you’re going to ask for a deferral then you can’t speak to it.” “I can speak to reasons under the procedure bylaw,” said Augustyn. “I don’t believe so,” replied Caslin. “You can talk about timing, you can mention that want it deferred, that’s about it.” Caslin soon continued to another related matter. “I also want to comment on what took place today over email,” he said, referring to an email Augustyn had sent to councillors earlier in the day, asking for a deferral and providing his reasoning for this request.
“The debate started to take place that’s about to happen right now, so really I could rule this deferral out of order right now simply because the debate has already started on electronic communication. So I’m giving you a little bit of latitude. Don’t take any more.” Augustyn conceded the point. His deferral was handily defeated, but after its failure, Augustyn still had the floor. “I want you to know, members of Council, that the Audit Committee’s recommendations are based on garbled, confused, and inaccurate information from a resigned Councillor, about an in camera meeting,” he said, reading from the email he had sent earlier in the day. Caslin interrupted again. “Councillor, I find that offensive, and I’ll ask you to apologize to the Councillor that you’ve just insulted,” he said to Augustyn, alluding to former Pelham councillor Junkin, who was sitting in the first row. Augustyn looked down at his papers, and then back to Caslin. “I’ll ask you one more time. Please apologize for what you said,” instructed Caslin. “I’ll apologize, but the information is inaccurate,” said Augustyn, before reading from the rest of his email in which he talked again about the planned November 29 meeting. Caslin interrupted Augustyn again. “Councillor, you made See RELEASE IT next page
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RELEASE IT continued from previous page your point clear when you sent it our to everyone on email already. You’re just repeating exactly what you sent out on email. Your deferral failed, so we’re talking about the minutes [from the Audit Committee]. Do you have something that you want to say about the minutes?” “Mr. Chair, the reason that I’m saying that is so that’s it’s clear what was on the email to everybody,” said Augustyn. Caslin replied, “I think that they understood the email, I think that they could read the email—” This time, it was Augustyn who cut him off. “Mr. Chair, please don’t debate me,” he said. “I’m not debating you,” said Caslin. “It’s my meeting, and I’ll run it how I want to.” The crowd collectively drew its breath. Caslin continued: “There are plenty of people here that wanted to have the debate. Your deferral failed, so we will have the debate.” Augustyn relented. Later, as debate proceeded, Quirk took issue with Augustyn’s characterization of the allegations as merely hearsay and media reports.
The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
“I wouldn’t have been comfortable bringing a media report to the Audit Committee, so the document is an email directly from Councillor Junkin… This isn’t hearsay, this isn’t garbled,” he said. “This is the correspondence of a former Councillor with knowledge of the issue reaching out the audit chair at the Region.” Quirk also disputed the validity of the Town’s defence that its financial statements are routinely audited. “Auditors can only deal with what are provided to them…It’s not unheard of for audited financial statements to be misstated. The auditor doesn’t always get [the correct data], and sometimes it takes someone like Mr. Junkin to come forward and say, ‘You need to look here.’” Quirk provided a series of examples in which an auditor could be misled. “For example, a capital asset worth five million with four million dollar in debt could be listed on your capital assets as one million dollars, netting it all out to hide the debt. Or you’ve raided your reserves funds, and the funds haven’t been tested to see how much is actually there.” Quirk defended the Audit Committee’s phrasing, saying that their motion called
on the Region to inform lenders that there “may have” been a change in Pelham’s financial position, in accordance with governing legislation. “And if it’s not our fiduciary responsibility, it’s our ethical and moral obligation to inform lenders that we have allegations that the numbers may not be right,” he concluded. After nearly two hours of discussing Pelham’s finances, Council voted on the motion in three separate chunks. All three passed easily. Before moving on to the rest of the meeting, Caslin addressed the crowd. “I’m going to let the folks from Pelham know that we’re completed with the business at hand relative to Pelham tonight. You’re welcome to stay—I know how gripping this is,” he joked. Members of the gallery laughed as they filed out, some applauding as they went. Many stood around in lobby for a while afterward, talking amongst themselves, and thanking the councillors who they felt best defended their interests during the meeting. “I wish we could do more,” said Quirk to a resident. “But it will be interesting to see what happens now.”
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The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
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guitar, bouzouki and a number of other instruments, our three virtuosos blend boundless energy with theCLEANING unmistakable joie de vivre found only in HOUSE FRUIT FARM/GENERAL traditional Quebec music. Show runs from 7-9 p.m. Community Professional Services FARM LABOURER
Events Listings
Residential house cleaning – 15 years experience. Complete PELHAM LIBRARY CARD MAKING WORKSHOP Looking for seasonal/ job done, weekly, bi-weekly, or Putting on an event? full time help. Applicant monthly cleaning. Make six cards with fall themes, learning a variety of techniques. Materials Call Heather 905-321-3817. must be able to work Tell the town! min. hours/week are40-60 provided. At time of registration, please enquire about tools needed. Community Event Classified in any weather condiHOUSE CLEANING ads are available in blocks Tues., Sept. 16 10 – 12:30. $10. Please register ahead. Visit www.pelhamtions and weekends. of 30 words, including Energetic Portuguese lady looking Lifting 50 lbs com-or call 905-892-6443 library.on.ca for more details. to clean houses in Fonthill, Fenwick, headline for $8.85 + HST. fortably is required. Welland, Ridgeville, Effingham, Jobs included pruning, Ad booking and payment North Pelham. Experienced to Planting trees, thinning deadline is Thursday Noon FABULOUS FENWICKaccommodate LIONS FISH every FRY customer’s and harvesting fruit, to week of publication. needs. References available. Call Tastyand treats with funds heading straight back into theprior community. Haddock, packing sorting Liliana at 416-879-4932. Payment may be made over fruit.No Experience french fries and much more. Runs Sept. 9 from 4-7 p.m. the phone by credit card, required. Must have CUSTOM MILL or in person at our office by own transportation. Min Portable sawmill service. I will cash or check. wage $11.60/hour. PELHAM MINOR HOCKEY come toEQUIPMENT your home or farmSALE and Please drop resume custom mill your logs. Firewood Thanks for supporting offBuy, at 825sell Canboro Rd, used&equipment or trade the Pelham Arena. Aimed to provide lumber also at available. Call your Voice! Fenwick Ontario L0S Rob Patterson, 905-401-4948season. Runs Sept. 6 from cheaper options for players in this upcoming 1C0 riverwood@primus.ca. office@thevoiceofpelham.ca 9-12 in the morning.
TURKEY RAFFLE PELHAM MUDFEST Firefighter Turkey Raffle, Friday November 24, Station 1, Fonthill, OCNA Network Classifi ed905-892-8690 Ads run on the year is andentry. women be back indraw. the mud famous as the second 7:30 Men pm. Free Win will Turkeys, 50/50 Enjoy (AD CENTRAL) sausages and refreshments while trying your luck to win a turkey! held at Bissil’s Hideaway.
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Support FARM WORKERS WANTED your BIG MOVE CANCER RIDE local The Big Move Cancer Ride is a non-competitive ride taking place on Sept. 7. Proceeds for the Big Move stay inclubs Niagara and support the Walker Famservice ily Cancer Centre. November 16
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Fruit farm seeking farm workers. Pay $11.60/hour, 40-60 hours per week, must have own transportation, must be able to handle 50 lbs. comfortably, working in rural area outdoors all weather conditions. Planting, cultivating, irrigating crops and hoeing crops strawberries andall apples. Apply in person, 1367 Balfour Street, Fenwick Ontario by participating Ontario papers from 10 – 5, Monday – Friday
WALKING CLUB Interested walking in Pelham? JoinEvents them Tuesdays at the Pelham Arena Places of inWorship and from 9-10 am and Thursdays at Fonthill Bandshell for 9-10:30 am. There First Presbyterian Tidings Church of God please contact jcook@ Pelham Evangelical Friends Church is no Church fee for this program. For Glad more information, 602 Metler Rd., Fenwick 1 Pancake Lane, Fonthill 940 Haist St., Fonthill pelham.ca or call 905 892-2607, ext 329. Fonthill Baptist Church 1414 Pelham St., Fonthill
Holy Trinity Anglican Church 1557 Pelham Street, Fonthill
Ridgeville Bible Chapel 418 Canboro Rd., Ridgeville
461 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
834 Canboro Rd., Fenwick
HAMPER DAY FOR PELHAM CARES Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church St. Alexander’s Roman Catholic Church 1344 Fonthill or bring a non-perishable 50 Pelham Town Sq., Fonthill Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables atHaist theSt.,Market foodChurch item to fill the hampers at the Pelham Farmers Fonthill United Pelham Community Church Market on Sept. 4. St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church
Fenwick Church of Christ 765 Welland Rd., Fenwick
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1369 Rice Rd., Fonthill
Fenwick United Church 1050 Church St., Fenwick
42 Church Hill, Fonthill
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Faith based organization is looking for Loving Christian Couples and Child and Youth workers interested in an opportunity to work with six children in one our homes. This live-in position (several days on then a few days off) offers a salary with benefits. Driver’s license (full G) and computer knowledge is required. Ability to keep accurate and up to date documentation, organized, focused on responsibilities, caring and respectful. CPR and CPI or PMAB will be required, but we will train. Post-Secondary Education beneficial but not imperative. Experience with ADD, ADHD, OCD, FAS, Autism, etc., would be an asset. If you feel that this is something you would be interested in, we would love to talk with you about this opportunity to ministry to these children. Email resumes to lhsecretary@cogeco.net
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Page 13
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Hold on, Waiter. How many menus are there? There’s the fall menu, but now there’s also a summer menu? But if we order from either we won’t be served until November 29? And then just a salad?
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The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
The Voice of Pelham ad size Service Directory ad w:2.5” x h: 1.75” Color Info black only Due Date Friday, March 18 at noon Rundate(s)
fortable and welcoming the Mar. 23, Apr. 6, 20, May 4, 18, @thevoiceofpelham.ca space is. People like the fact June 1, 15 and 29. that they can come in and Cost By: Date: browse, or sit in the bright $42 per insertion plus HST. lounge area and have a conversation with friends. We Terms: on publication current open set up lar things in Fonthill. TheDueThe set aside dedicated quiet Fonthill branch opened in of the branch means that space for those who need sound often travels through 1987 and the interior design to concentrate on the work the building. We do get regreflects the reality of public they are doing. Our furular requests from patrons library use at the time. nishings are flexible so that While we are not consid- for a quiet study area. shelving and other items We are hopeful these ering an expansion right can be easily moved to acnow in Fonthill, we do see plans can come to fruicommodate different types tion over the next couple of opportunities to make some of activities changes to the existing years. We are undertaking This type of a design is some design and engineerspace that would allow us to becoming more and more ing work right now and debetter reflect the emerging popular in public libraries trend of libraries as com- veloping plans for financing everywhere. In Ontario, it munity hubs. By renovat- the project through our 2018 is part of an overall stratbudgeting. ing some of the space in our egy to establish libraries The project will not be on basement for staff use, we as community hubs. While can create additional space the same scale as the Maple maintaining our traditional on the main floor for pub- Acre expansion, but it is still role as a source of reliable lic use. We can reconfig- important to making sure information and materials we are able to effectively reure some of the shelving to that can be borrowed, we spond to community needs make additional space for are now becoming public and expectations for library seating and/or community gathering spaces. service. activities. The circulation The expansion of the MaWe always encourage your desk could also be redeple Acre branch created the signed to allow more space feedback, so if you have opportunity to integrate questions or suggestions in the lobby area. Our plans these features. We would also include establishing please feel free to ask us love to accomplish simisome dedicated quiet space. about our plans.
Notice of Public Meeting Class 9 Pesticide Use for 2016
As per Ontario Regulation 63/09, Lookout Point Country Club will be holding a Public Meeting to present the Annual Report regarding the use of Class 9 Pesticides for the 2016 season. This meeting will take place on:
Friday, November 24th at 9am In the McInnis Banquet Hall located at: Lookout Point Country Club 209 Tice Road Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 For more information, please contact Aldo Bortolon, Golf Course Superintendent at 905-687-0150. Please RSVP to Aldo Bortolon via email at aldo@lopcc.com
Page 14
The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
www.thevoiceofpelham.ca
Raucous reaction at special Town Council meeting On Wednesday night, Pelham Town Council held a special meeting to discuss an alleged breach of confidentiality made by former Councillor Marvin Junkin in an interview carried by the Voice last week, in which he explained his reasons for resigning his council seat. No substantive information was provided during the short meeting, which lasted only about a half hour. However, councillors Richard Rybiak and Peter Papp appeared to confirm the existence of a KPMG summer audit, as alleged by Junkin, though neither provided specifics. Residents jammed Council Chambers and spilled out into the hallway, prompting the Fire Chief to count heads to make sure that the area’s 80-person limit had not been exceeded. The count fell just
Demands for answers unsatisfied as Town attempts to address former councillor’s charges of “unethical and dishonest” actions short. Council first heard a presentation from Donald DeLorenzo of Daniel and Partners LLP, the Town’s principal legal firm, in which DeLorenzo outlined the legal framework surrounding confidential information. DeLorenzo said that Junkin’s allegations would have been subject to discipline under Council’s Code of Conduct, but that Junkin had pre-emptively avoided this discipline by resigning. DeLorenzo compared municipal finances to a jigsaw puzzle, and asserted that “it is much more prudent to wait until we get the entire picture put before the pub-
BY VOICE STAFF lic—once the picture is out there, then we can deal with all the allegations and innuendo, and deal with the true facts.” Councillor Papp asked DeLorenzo, “What, if any, latitude do we have with respect to confidentiality? Do we have any discretion?” DeLorenzo said there was no latitude in matter of confidentiality. “If I take liberties,” said Papp, “I do so at my own peril. Is that right?” DeLorenzo said that it was. Mayor Augustyn asked DeLorenzo to explain why Council is unable to talk about Junkin’s alle-
COVER-UP continued from Page 5 surfaced in a secret KPGM audit that was conducted this summer. Those in attendance then pressed the Mayor to release the summer audit to the public and, once again, we watched another episode of the “Duck and Dodge Show” that this council has become famous for. At no time during the meeting did anyone associated with the Town use the term “audit” when pressed for information uncovered by the Trea-
Richard
Brown SALES REPRESENTATIVE
gations. “As my mother always said, two wrongs don’t make a right,” said DeLorenzo. “The reason for confidentiality is to protect from litigation.” DeLorenzo made general references to “litigation” several times throughout his presentation, never citing specifics. Augustyn moved the agenda forward, prompting Town Treasurer Teresa Quinlin to explain that on November 29, KPMG would be presenting to Council the results of an audit into the Town’s disputed 3.3 acre East Fonthill land purchase. Quinlin said that at the same meeting she would be pre-
surer this summer. In fact, they made no reference to any audit, document, or report that was presented at the closed meeting on September 5. The Mayor repeatedly tried to assure the crowd that everyone’s questions would be answered at the end of November when the KPMG audit would be completed. Now let’s get things straight here: the Mayor was only referring to KPMG audit #2, not the secret KPGM audit #1, completed this summer. Every effort was made by Council and staff to bury
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cussed on the information contained in the audit we are reviewing tonight.” “Your questions will be noted, but we are here tonight to answer questions about the KPMG land transfers and DC credits audit only.” Make no mistake. A secret audit was conducted this summer. This audit revealed some very disturbing and possibly fraudulent information. Under the Municipal Act, the public has the right to access all financial information of the Town including the summer KPMG audit. The Mayor, councillors and staff may think that if they don’t talk about the summer audit again then it will quietly go away. WRONG! Mr. Augustyn, for the past few years, you have repeatedly lied to us and deceived us, and have completely lost our trust. We are not stupid. Just remember, Mr. Augustyn, those who have nothing to hide, hide nothing. Lyn Davis-Brown Welland
TEMPERATURES ARE FALLING
YOUR HOME
The cold has arrived ...
See RAUCOUS next page
any mention of the summer audit.
RENOVATE WITH LOUWES
senting “other information” regarding the Town’s finances. The crowd, largely silent for the first portion of the meeting, started muttering as Quinlin answered Augustyn’s questions. When Augustyn turned to CAO Darren Ottaway and asked if he “was aware of any fraud” committed in the Town, the crowd broke out into hisses and yells. Augustyn turned to them. “What?” he said. “That’s what you want to know, isn’t it?” “There is no evidence of any fraud committed by any current or former employee,” responded Ottaway. “You’ve buried it well,” someone shouted. Amid the shouts, Augustyn asked Ottaway another question.
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RAUCOUS continued from previous page “Is there money missing?” he said. “No,” said Ottaway. “There is no money missing. The Town can account for every nickel.” “We will be getting complete and accurate information November 29, ” said Augustyn. “Will both audits be there?” yelled several in the crowd. One woman spoke loudly. “We don’t report to you, you report to us,” she shouted. “We’re all interested in that audit. Answer the question.” “Please,” said Augustyn. “You’ve been very respectful so far.” “Respect us,” the woman shouted back. Amid the chaos, Councillor Richard Rybiak spoke up. “Is it not the case that the audit that people are referring to is part and parcel of the in camera meeting that we had on September fifth, and about which we have been counseled not to speak?” he said, evidently acknowledging the existence of the audit Junkin
The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
asserted occurred. (Until now, the Town has declined to confirm that such an audit was undertaken.) The Mayor referred Rybiak’s question to the Treasurer, who, amid the shouts, seemed to refer back to the 3.3 acre land purchase audit. “She’s talking about the wrong audit,” said a resident. “I think you’ve answered those questions,” said Augustyn to Quinlin. “No, no, no,” shouted several in the crowd. Augustyn continued to speak over them, saying, “We are more committed than ever to respecting our responsibilities,” repeating the text of a press release that he issued last Friday. As people continued to shout, Councillor Papp held his head in his hands. “2018 will clean this Council out,” shouted another resident seated the the gallery. “See you at the election.” As the crowd’s disquiet grew, Councillor Rybiak, visibly flustered, leaned over and urged the Mayor to adjourn the meeting. Augustyn did so as the shouts continued.
“What’s the debt, Ms. Quinlin, what’s the debt?” called several. Councillors stayed in their seats, look-
There is no money missing. The Town can account for every nickel.
ing blankly ahead. Later, clearly perturbed by the crowd’s reaction, Councillor Papp said that he understood why residents were upset, but said that the information couldn’t be released now because another matter necessitated its “confidentiality.” Papp was asked by a resident whether the needle of truth pointed more towards Junkin or the Mayor. “Neither,” said Papp, and again alluded to a connection to another legal matter.
Page 15
Papp echoed a statement he made during a Council meeting in October, saying, “There are things that happened that shouldn’t have happened,” but made assurances that these things would be remedied. Papp said that at the September 5 meeting he—and other Councillors—had been completely surprised by the information presented, also appearing to confirm Junkin’s assertion that the results of an audit were presented. Papp says that Council was asked to make a decision immediately after receiving the information. Papp was adamant that action has and will be taken, and urged patience, saying that residents will be informed. As the room emptied, residents still lingered in the halls and by the doorway, talking among themselves, mentioning the Regional Council meeting scheduled for the next evening. They did not seem patient.
Collection delays Leaf and yard waste collection delays are continuing across the region due to a lack of contractor resources to complete the work, according to a Niagara Region news release. Residents are advised to leave their leaf and yard waste material at the curb if it was not collected on their regular collection day, or remove it and place it out next week on their regular collection day. Collection delays are ex pected to continue into next week. Residents should continue to place their leaf and yard waste material at the curb by 7 AM on their regular scheduled collection day and ensure it is visible and accessible to collection staff. For more information, residents may call the Region’s Waste Management Services Info-line at 905356-4141.
In loving memory of a cherished daughter, sister and aunt who was tragically killed, November 27, 1999. Loving memories never die As years roll on and days pass by In our hearts a memory is kept Of one we loved And will never forget. Loved and missed more with every passing day. No one will ever take your place in our hearts.
Love, Mom, Blair, Willie and family
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2017 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
E.L. CROSSLEY SECONDARY SCHOOL 350 HWY 20 FONTHILL, ON 905.892.2635 ELCROSSLEY.DSBN.ORG
Nominate a Junior Citizen in your community! Do you know someone who is involved in worthwhile community service, is contributing while living with a limitation, has performed a heroic act, demonstrates individual excellence, or is going above and beyond to help others? If so, nominate them today! Nadine Carter, Stouffville, ON
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Nominations close November 30, 2017. Forms and information are available from this newspaper, and the Ontario Community Newspapers Association at ocna.org/juniorcitizen.
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Page 16
The Voice of Pelham, November 22, 2017
NEWS GATHERING ISN'T FREE
Changing seasons at E. L. Crossley BY CHRISTINE BUNZ
E.L. Crossley Correspondent
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With the arrival of the chilly weather that signals the coming of winter, the seasons in Crossley’s sports department are changing like the leaves. Several teams are wrapping up their seasons for the end of fall, including the Girls’ Basketball teams, the Boys’ Volleyball teams, Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Rowing, and the conjoined football team of Crossley and Centennial students that play for Centennial. Crossley’s Junior Girls Basketball team took home the victory of a seven-game winning streak with their defeat of Port Colborne High School during the semifinals on November 2. They advanced to the Zone Playoffs and again defeated Port, sending them on to compete in the Zone 3 Championship against Jean Vanier, where they won 34 to 19. They will be moving on to compete in S.O.S.S.A.. The Senior Girls Basketball team also brought home a victory over Port Colborne High School, beating them 38 to 32. Unfortunately, they did not do as well with their playoff game at Centennial. The team may not have brought home very many victories, but Senior Girls coach Mr. Belding still stands firm on the fact that the girls had a good season. “They had dramatic improvement from the start of the season to the end,” Mr. Belding said. “There weren’t a lot of wins, but they’ve shown a lot of improvement and developed as a team,” he added, clearly proud of his team’s hard work. Crossley’s Junior Boys Volleyball thrived this season, defeating Westlane 3 sets to 0 in the semifinals on November 8th. They moved onto the Zone 3 Championship on November 14 and won against Jean Vanier with another 3 set to 0 win. The Junior Boys will be moving on to S.O.S.S.A.. The Senior Boys Volleyball also pulled off a great season, with victories at both the Niagara College Tournament and the game against Jean Vanier. The team came in third in the Brock University Tournament and 2nd in the tournament here at E.L. Crossley. The boys finished first in their Zone for the season and moved on to compete in S.O.S.S.A. Crossley’s sports department continues to have vic-
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tories to boast as the Cross Country teams wrapped up its season. They have won their 15th Zone 3 Championship, and the midget boys and senior girls teams’ qualified for O.F.S.A.A., as well as three individual runners. The top finishers for the season were Kate Knafelc who came in 5th for Senior Girls, Jesse Fennell who came in 60th for Senior Girls, Tessa Jefferey who came in 12th for Midget Girls, and Brock Deba who came in 90th for Senior Boys. Mr. Edwards, one of the coaches for Cross Country, spoke fondly of his team. “We’re proud of all our athletes. We’ve got forty five to fifty runners who have varying goals and are really committed,” he said. “It snowed during one of their races and they layered up and kept going.” Edwards said that the runners have fun nights together to bond and earn points that go toward bidding for prizes. They will also have a spaghetti dinner together the night before certain big games. “We want to make sure they get all the carbs they need,” Edwards said, cracking a smile. “They get the mothering of Mrs. Mergl and the fathering of Mr. Edwards.” The ELC Boys Golf team narrowly missed qualifying for SOSSA, with a team average score of 81. Luke DelGobbo qualified for SOSSA with a 75, and he backed that up with a score of 76 at Twenty Valley, two strokes away from qualifying for OFSAA. Rowan McLellan also qualified for SOSSA with a score of 83 at zones, and he followed that up with a 90. The Tennis team here at Crossley also had individual students bringing victories home. Grade Nine student Tanner Bedard won the Zone Championship for the Open Boys Singles, and Rachelle Tunikaitis is heading to O.F.S.A.A. June 4-6 for the Girls Singles High School Division. “Participation numbers for the tennis team are on the upswing, and we have some promising juniors going forward,” the tennis coach, Mrs. Amadio, commented. E.L. Crossley’s Rowing team, though they will continue to practice during the winter for their spring season, also wrapped up their fall season with victories of their own. The Men’s Four won the Head of
COLUMN SIX continued from Page 1
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er...much older. As an adult, out in the working world, in my very first job I was employed by a large government ministry. One day as I walked toward my boss’s office with an armload of documents for his signature, I arrived to find his door open an inch or two. Just as I was about to knock and enter, I observed him leaning over his lower desk drawer drinking out of a paper bag. What the heck is he doing, I wondered naively. Then the light bulb went on over my head and before I pushed open the door, I put on the brakes, turned on my heel, and galloped to the women’s washroom for fear he discovered me inadvertently spying on him. In the women’s washroom, with my arms full of documents pretending like I had not
Charles Regatta in Boston, which is the largest twoday regatta in the world. In varying events, the Men’s Four brought home a seventh place, the Men’s Double brought home an eighth place, the Women’s Double
They get the mothering of Mrs. Mergl and the fathering of Mr. Edwards. came in fifth, and the Women’s Eight came in thirty-third. “We’ve got a team of sixty to seventy athletes, including a lot of new grade nines that are excited about getting started, and they had a great season,” Mr. Ruscitti, the coach for the Rowing team said. “To put it simply, they brought home many gold medals this season.” Also wrapping up their season is the football team at Centennial. Though there are only four Crossley students on the Junior team and only seven on the Senior team, Crossley contributed greatly to the success of the teams. Mr. Blanchard, the coordinator at Crossley for the football teams, spoke proudly of the students that participate in the Junior and Senior teams. “They had a successful season,” Blanchard said. “The kids on the football teams, they’re good representatives for Crossley.” As fall sports come to a close, the winter season is just about to begin. Some teams starting up in the coming weeks include the Junior and Senior Boys Basketball, the Junior and Senior Girls Volleyball, Curling, Swimming, and Hockey, with the Girl’s Hockey team already on the go. The Girl’s Hockey team has competed in a few exhibition games, and participated in the 35th annual McDonald’s High School Tournament in Niagara Falls, at the Gale Center on November 16. Their regular season will start in early December with the beginning of E.L. Crossley’s other winter sports.
been anywhere near my boss’s office door for the last two minutes, and pretending I knew nothing of what went on in his office except it was a place where legal documents were signed, I came to an electrifying realization. At that very moment I realized that my first grade teacher Mrs. Bailey was not looking into, or speaking with a paper bag in the teacher’s closet. She was nipping from a bottle of booze for what I can only speculate, as an adult now, a little snort of energy fortification or maybe a nip of courage. Or, like my provincial government-appointed boss, just an afternoon cocktail swigged from a paper bag, because that’s what they did back then for stress in the workplace. Have your own tale from back in the day, or yesterday? Share it with Column Six: editor@thevoiceofpelham.ca