Niagara This Week, Niagara Falls_December 2021

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PARKING TICKETS CAN BE PAID WITH TOYS, GIFT CARDS

The City of Niagara Falls is reminding people who receive a parking ticket in the municipality between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1 that they can pay their ticket with a new, unwrapped toy or gift card.

As part of the annual Toys for Tickets campaign, people can bring their receipt showing the value is equal to or greater than their ticket.

Project Share and the Salvation Army said the greatest need for gifts is for children aged 12 to 15.

Gift ideas include movies, music and clothing or gift cards/certificates for these items.

Payments and donations can be made at either the municipality's finance offices at city hall or MacBain Community Centre on Dec. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8.

All city facilities require anyone older than 12 to be fully vaccinated and be able to provide proof of their vaccination status along with photo identification to access municipal facilities.

People without proof of vaccination who want to drop off a toy or gift card will be required to book an appointment where alternative service delivery options may be accommodated.

For more information, call parking services at 905-356-7521 ext. 4700.

Public skating has returned to the Gale Centre.

Residents can skate at the arena every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Proof of double-vaccination and a government-issued photo identification, or proof of exemption, is required to enter the arena for anyone 18 and older. Face coverings are not required on the ice, but are required everywhere else in the facility. Reservations are required and can be made online, through the city's new recreation booking site, Niagara Falls ACTIVE Net. The program is open to all ages.

Space is limited each week to the first 75 skaters who register online.

The cost is $7 for families, up to five members, $3 for seniors and students and children are $3.

RIVER VIEW KIDS RALLY TO SUPPORT STUFF THE BUS CAMPAIGN

amaze me," she said.

When a local family suffered a recent fire, the school was quick to rally behind them.

"Our school community brought in brand-new everything they'd need, from sheets to towels to clothing," said Hilborn.

The kids at River View Public School in Chippawa are changing the world, one can of soup and one toy at a time.

Along with numerous schools and businesses, the students are doing their part to make sure that thousands of people and families in Niagara Falls who are struggling to make ends meet will have a Christmas dinner and toys for their kids on Christmas Day.

For Grade 4 teacher Lorna Hilborn, the school's support of Project SHARE's annual Stuff the Bus campaign in support of the agency's emergency food bank and its annual Christmas program, it's a reflection both of the school's long history of giving back to those in need and of the selfless nature of the community of Chippawa.

"The generosity of the families here (at River View) never ceases to

With so many families suffering hardship in a city in which the crucial hospitality and tourism sector was crushed by a year and a half of lockdowns and closures, the River View students are once again filling bins with food and toys for Project SHARE.

"When we see a need in the community like this, the families pull together," said Hilborn. "It's great for the kids because they learn about empathy. They learn about the joy of giving to other people.

"They're learning about what it means to serve others before themselves."

Pam Sharp, executive director of Project SHARE, said the Stuff the Bus campaign in which companies and schools compete to raise the most food, toys and financial donations, is crucial to the BCM Insurance Good News Breakfast on Dec. 10.

It's the agency's largest annual fundraiser, with hopes to surpass the goal of $229,000.

"We need the support this year more than ever, as our emergency support services are seeing over a

20 per cent increase in need over last year due to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Sharp.

"Over 1,200 families have already registered for support through our Christmas program with more registering daily. If we all give what we can, we can make the holidays brighter for our neigh-

bours."

ServiceMaster Restore of Niagara in St. Catharines, already a supporter of the agency, has upped its game this year by taking part in the Stuff the Bus competition and will even have staff spend a few days on a city bus going around to collection donations.

Co-owner Andrew Jackson said it's all about giving

cheque."

Jackson said supporting Project SHARE means companies can really help those families.

"Project SHARE has proven time and again that they're a great charity," he said. "Their reach is fantas-

Project SHARE volunteers and Niagara Transit staff will visit participating schools and businesses Dec. 6 to 9 to pick up donations.

The BCM Good News Breakfast is open to the public and takes place at the Greg Frewin Theatre on Dec. 10 at 7 a.m. with performances, interviews and the unveiling of the Stuff the Bus winners.

Sharp said the most needed donations this year include Lego; gifts for teens/tweens including crafts, hygiene kits and gift cards such as Amazon, Winners, and Cineplex; and grocery gift cards to provide families the opportunity to shop for their traditional holiday meal.

back to the community in a time of great need so Christmas isn't ruined for families.

"I can't imagine all the families that are impacted," he said. "It's heartbreaking to think.

"(But) it can happen to anybody. It's easy for us to take for granted when you're working every day and you're getting a pay

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: With Project SHARE's Stuff the Bus campaign underway, Niagara This Week looked at the impact it is having on families in need.

ServiceMaster Restore of Niagara in St. Catharines, already a supporter of Project SHARE, has upped its game this year by taking part in the Stuff the Bus competition and will even have staff spend a few days on a city bus going around to collection donations.

ServiceMaster photo

PAUL FORSYTH pforsyth@niagara thisweek.com

SCHOOLS, COMPANIES JOIN PUSH TO HELP GROWING NUMBER OF FAMILIES STRUGGLING THIS CHRISTMAS

SCAN FOR MORE of the latest Niagara Falls news.

WOMEN'S SHELTERS NEED 'NEVER SEEN BEFORE'

WRAPPED IN COURAGE CAMPAIGN MOBILIZES COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT WOMEN FLEEING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

It's "more important than ever" to recognize International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, says Gillian's Place interim executive director Nicole Regehr.

The St. Catharines-based shelter, with Women's Place of South Niagara, kicked off the annual Wrapped in Courage Campaign, which involves 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence consisting mostly of flag-raising events at municipal buildings.

November was Woman Abuse Prevention Month.

At Gillian's Place, an organization serving women and children since 1977, it is an unprecedented time.

"We're experiencing a demand for service like we've never seen before," said Regehr.

During the pandemic, there has been a 41 per cent increase in calls from individuals needing

assistance.

It was far worse when there were lockdowns and stay-athome orders in effect, said Regehr, citing an increase of "up to 1,000 per cent" in calls during those times.

Women were isolated with their abusers, and they didn't have the opportunity to call or reach out for help, or leave," she said.

There are 34 beds at Gillian's Place. They are constantly full and overflow space is regularly used. A $5-million fundraising campaign to build extra rooms and equip each space with its own washroom is ongoing.

Violence against women was a growing problem long before COVID-19 arrived. Regehr said the increasing need for women in crisis is "only picking up."

"I don't see a time in the near future where things are going to slow down," she said.

Jennifer Gauthier, executive director of Women's Place, agreed that now is a crucial time to raise awareness about violence against women.

She said there has been a 50 per cent increase in Ontario of "femicides," cases involving female murder victims.

"That's quite concerning. The number of women who are risk has never been higher," she said.

This year Women's Place has seen 81 women and 44 children for overnight stays at its two shel-

WHAT IS THE 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

CAMPAIGN RUNS UNTIL DEC. 10

SARAH FERGUSON sferguson@niagarathisweek.com

Neither the cold, nor the rain could stop a small group from gathering to watch Welland's East Main Street Bright glow orange.

The bridge was lit orange on Thursday (Nov. 25) to mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.

The bridge lighting was attend-

ed by members of the Canadian Federation of University Women Welland and District Unit.

What is the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence?

It is an international campaign that started Nov. 25. The day has been designated by the United Nations as International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The campaign continues until Dec. 10, which is recognized as Human Rights Day.

Who started the campaign?

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence was started by activists at the inaugural Women's Global Leader-

ship Institute in 1991. It continues to be recognized globally in an effort to raise awareness of genderbased violence and stop violence against women and children.

The theme for this year's campaign is 'Orange the world: End violence against women now."

Why is the colour orange significant?

The colour orange was chosen to symbolize a brighter future free of violence against women and girls. Many events and flag raisings have been organized across the region and various landmarks across the world are being 'oranged' to recall the need for a violence-free future.

Welland have been full since the most recent lockdown ended.

In September, Women's Place announced plans to restructure the way it protects women in Niagara's southern tier. It said by consolidating its shelter space at Nova House, where a $3.6-million expansion is underway, it can increase capacity by 25 per cent and increase the number of beds to 40.

This will result in 10 beds in Welland being relocated. There are plans to open a satellite office in Welland. Gauthier said Wednesday there has been progress on this, but could not share details until it's finalized.

ters.

There have been 276 outreach contacts made, and more than 2,000 crisis calls since April, she said.

She said these are average numbers, but expects the need for services is going to "grow and grow" through a "huge uptick" caused by COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, as well as "stressers" caused by impacts of the pandemic.

Beds at Nova House in Niagara Falls and Serenity Place in

Gillian's Place took part in flag-raisings at St. Catharines city hall and Niagara Region headquarters, with more planned at Lincoln town hall Dec. 3 and at Niagara-on-theLake town hall Dec. 6.

Women's Place saw raised in honour of the cause at municipal buildings in Welland, Fort Erie, Niagara Falls and Port Colborne.

The Horseshoe Falls was lit orange from 10 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. and Main Street Bridge in Welland was illuminated purple for the evening.

Gillian's Place in St. Catharines.

Nick Fearns photo

The East Main Street bridge was lit orange to mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign on Nov. 25.

Sarah Ferguson/Metroland

OUR NIAGARA: GREAT HORNED OWLETS

PARENTS, SEIZE THIS VACCINE OPPORTUNITY

Parents in Ontario (and soon right across the country) now have an opportunity to do something important for their kids, themselves and everyone else.

They should seize it with both hands.

The more kids get vaccinated, and the quicker that happens, the better for them and the better for all of us. It will be another big step toward finally putting this terrible, destructive pandemic behind us.

There's every reason for parents to sign their kids up without delay, but that can't be taken for granted.

Instead, there are disturbing signs that a significant minority of parents aren't going to take the opportunity. One recent survey, by the Angus Reid Institute, suggests only half of parents intend to get their kids vaccinated as soon as possible.

Parents who refuse to get their children vaccinated, or count themselves among the "hesitant" for whatever reason, are doing everyone a disservice — including the very children they claim to be protecting.

For one thing, the medical evidence is clear. Most young children who get COVID-19 don't become seriously ill, but some do.

And some suffer long-term effects (including a serious condition called multi-system inflammatory syndrome, or MIS-C) that are difficult to predict. Vaccines are the best way to protect them, like everyone else, from the disease.

Even kids who don't get badly ill can spread COVID to others, including more vulnerable people. Surely, no child wants to be an unwitting risk to a grandparent or someone with an underlying condition that makes them more susceptible to the disease.

Whatever slight risks from vaccines exist, the dangers of contracting COVID are considerably greater. A basic risk-benefit analysis tips the balance in favour of getting your shots, for the young as much as for others.

All these are excellent reasons for parents to sign their kids up right away. But we know from experience that a sizable number won't act quickly, and some won't get their children vaccinated no matter how much cajoling and counselling is offered.

Everything possible should be done to make getting the shot as easy and available as possible and remove whatever barriers exist.

But it's also true that, in the end, kids need to get their shots. Ontario has accepted that principle since 1982 when it made vaccination against nine diseases (measles, mumps, chickenpox and so on) a condition of attending school.

The COVID vaccine, as we've argued before, should be added to that list. After all the talk is done, vaccination is vital for children, and for everyone else. Parents, it's now up to you.

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LETTERS & COMMENTARY

BC DISASTER A WARNING

Homes in BC have been destroyed. Highways have collapsed. Rail lines have crumbled, sending rail cars tumbling like toys. Hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland have been destroyed.

Wildlife has been displaced and killed. Supply chains have been stopped in their tracks. Billions of dollars of damage has been done.

People have died.

Much of the damage has been accelerated due to the horrific wildfires of last summer which raged for months, wiping out forests and entire towns. Before that close to 800 people lost their lives due to extreme heat. Yet, here in Ontario we go merrily on our way as if climate change does not exist.

In Niagara, a mountain bike trail is being built for the Canada Summer Games which will destroy the 12 Mile Creek ravine. Waverly Woods in Fort Erie, one of the few remain-

ing spring migration stopovers for birds in the region is slated for development. Niagara Regional councillors are debating whether to vote for a Natural Heritage Plan that will offer the most protection vs. ones that don't. Why is that even being debated?

Politicians must get their heads out of the sand and stop this harmful destruction. Climate change is here. We need to act now. Our lives depend on it.

BRIGITTE BONNER, RIDGEWAY

FUELING NUTRITION, FUELING THE FUTURE

Good nutrition is a basic need for everyone, everywhere. Nutrition fuels our health, wellness, and progress on a path towards greater economic prosperity. The right to adequate nutrition is the right to life and dignity - and women and girls are disproportionately impacted.

When children do not have the nutrition necessary to grow and develop,

they are not only more likely to be burdened by illness and live shorter lives, but they will also have a lower quality of life in all aspects. Millions of children currently face malnutritionrelated stunts in growth, locking them into a lifetime of irreversible health and social challenges. There is no greater injustice than this stunt in potential.

There has never been a greater and more urgent need for increased funding for nutrition.The triple threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, and climate change have created a crisis within a crisis. On December 7-8th, 2021, Canada will be given the opportunity to commit additional resources at the Nutrition for Growth Summit.

Canada must top up its initial investment by a minimum of $330 million over five years to reverse the malnutrition crisis and protect the health, rights, and dignity of women and children.

ELISE FARAND, EDMONTON

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Owlets peeking out at the world. Photographer: Corrinne Suk, St. Catharines. Niagara this Week and the Niagara Region promote residents' photography skills. Please visit www.niagararegion.ca for information about submissions.

Corrinne Suk photo

NIAGARA POLITICIANS FALLING HARD FOR THE INTEGRITY SCAM

As the author of a book called "Annals of Gullibility: Why We Get Duped and How to Avoid It," you could safely call Stephen Greenspan an expert on scams. Which makes it all the more ironic that just two days after his book was published, Greenspan found out he had been duped by the largest financial scam in history.

As a successful university professor, Greenspan had a sizeable chunk of money saved up for his retirement. Unfortunately, he invested that money with Bernie Madoff, where it all disappeared into his sprawling Ponzi scheme.

Sometimes, even for an expert, it can be tough to spot a scam. Just ask anyone who has been duped by

LETTERS & COMMENTARY

JAMES CULIC Column

the ongoing cryptocurrency scams, telephone spamcall scams or puppy scams. Forget all those though, because dollar-for-dollar, the absolute most lucrative scam going on today is integrity commissioners reports. The province mandated that municipalities hire integrity commissioners back in 2019, making it mandatory after an update to the Municipal Act in March of that year.

SCHOOL SCHEDULE CHANGE RUSHED

As a student attending a DSBN secondary school, I believe the four-period schedule change has come too early.

Both students and teachers can agree. Teachers will need to revise their schedules and due dates. Students will need to navigate their co-curricular plans with their part-time jobs. Co-op students who work for two periods of the school day will endure the pain of contacting their su-

pervisors and planning transportation at short notice.

This is the impractical truth teachers, other students, and I will endure for the next few weeks. What happened to DSBN giving teachers and students time to adjust to schedule changes? Our world is filled with unfamiliarity; it brought us clarity and calmness in a world of chaos. We still need it, regardless of how flexible we ap-

Based on some very cursory poking about, I found Niagara municipalities have dropped at least $525,000 on integrity commissioners reports since 2020.

The full number is certainly much higher but many municipalities are reticent to reveal the full costs unless directed to do so by councils. Some people might try to argue this is money well spent on a vital public service. Those people would be wrong.

For starters, of all the integrity commissioners reports I could find this year, a vast majority ended up finding no wrongdoing whatsoever. It's difficult to see that money as anything but wasted. Making things worse, a lot of the com-

plaints boil down to political tit for tat that sees councillors calling the integrity commissioner on other councillors. Pointless.

Even the ones that do find some form of wrongdoing are still a waste. Just look at the latest report, which examined whether it was inappropriate for West Lincoln Mayor Dave Bylsma to ask a woman if the vaccine affected her menstruation cycle.

That report cost $7,000 and concluded: yes, it was inappropriate. How does that cost $7,000? How does that cost, literally, any money at all? That entire report should have been handled in two seconds with a single email. That report should have been a single email that said,

"Don't do this."

A lot of these integrity commissioners are retired Bay Street lawyers, and they are charging us Bay Street lawyer prices. Niagara taxpayers are spending $250 to $350 per hour to have some rich dude from Oakville determine whether or not a local politician said something rude or did something stupid.

Even worse, the end result of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on integrity commissioner reports is universally disappointing. The few that actually find some form of wrongdoing result in what barely amounts to a slap on the wrist, and in other cases, result in a laughably inconsequential penalty. That $7,000 report on Bylsma

ended with a recommendation to dock his pay by $500. This system is busted.

Integrity commissioner reports are a scam built on the false promise of providing accountability and transparency from an independent outsider. We have more than 100 elected politicians in Niagara, and they seem to spend most of their time tattling on one another to the integrity commissioner.

Cut it out, stop acting like children, and if you've got a problem with each other, figure it out among yourselves and stop calling overpriced lawyers to settle your petty squabbles.

James Culic is Niagara This Week's columnist and in-house integrity commissioner. Email him at jculic@niagarathisweek.com or holler on Twitter @jamesculic.

pear.

If the change happened after the Christmas holidays, it would cause less confusion and stress to the school population. November is a hectic month for teachers and students alike, so why change it at a time when everything is settling down? I disagree with the DSBN's choice to make the change at such a short notice.

This change will benefit students, and we will adjust. However, leaving only five days for both teachers and students to prepare is

inappropriate.

BRIANNA

GIANETTO, ST. CATHARINES ARE WE LISTENING TO MOTHER NATURE?

Most of us have heard of the flooding in B.C. and now torrential rainfall on the East Coast.

Mother Nature is angry. B.C. this year alone has experienced heat waves, forest fires and now devastating floods. S

The experts say this is a sign of things to come. They tell us the increase in

natural disasters around the world is linked to climate change, deforestation, rapid development, and the mining and burning of natural resources.

Do we for some reason think the same things will not occur in Niagara Region?

Developers have placed millions of dollars into the building permit hope chest in Welland alone. Meanwhile, farmland and forests are being destroyed to put up housing most people in Welland can't afford.

When all the trees are

gone that stabilized the soil, and high density and regular housing diverts all the water from roofs into drain systems, how long before our area looks like B.C.?

Oh, it won't happen here! If you listened to the non-action taken at the recent climate summit in Glasgow, if you listen to experts in the field, it is not a matter of if, it is a matter of when.

Apathy is the catalyst to disaster.

KIM WRIGHT, WELLAND

AS I GET OLDER THE WORLD GETS SMALLER AND THE COINCIDENCES ARE STARTING TO SCARE ME

NIAGARA

WILLIAM THOMAS Column

rez, the drug cartel capital of Mexico, 'The Wolfpack' is a riproaring romp through the Canadian world of bikers and hitmen, gangsters and Mafioso, drug dealers and narcissistic sociopaths, some as efficient as a corporate CEO, some as "dumb as a bag of hair," with the Mexican cartels waiting in the wings.

magazine. At that same entrance, Niagara members of The Wolfpack left bundles of bills for their local dealers.

Coincidences? At this point, I'm wondering if Peter Edwards was named after Edward Bulwer-Lytton? Or if I might be the older and illegitimate brother of Ruta?

About four months ago, I started a column on the annual tongue-in-cheek BulwerLytton Fiction Contest, in which participants create the worst possible opening sentence of what will become, if they're allowed to proceed, a really bad novel.

For example, Lisa Kluber won the 2020 award with: "Her Dear John Missive flapped unambiguously in the windy breeze, hanging like a pizza menu on the doorknob of my mind."

The contest is named after Edward Bulwer-Lytton a novelist and poet who lived in Canada during the mid-1800s as Britain's Secretary to the Colonies. He coined such phrases as "The pen is mightier than the sword" and "The pursuit of the almighty dollar." He famously began his 1930s novel 'Paul Clifford' with the opening line: "It was a dark and stormy night ..."

The town of Lytton, B.C. was named after Edward Bulwer-Lytton. I shelved the column while waiting for the 2021 winners to be announced, and then the town of Lytton

burned to the ground. A firm believer in the impending disasters of global warming ever since Al Gore's 2006 'An Inconvenient Truth', I'm still astounded by the photos showing how unrelenting record heat can incinerate an entire town.

My friend and favourite crime writer, Peter Edwards, wrote a touching piece in the Toronto Star about the devastation of his hometown, Lytton, B.C. He had contacted a childhood friend in the area and sure enough, the house in which Peter grew was now a pile of ashes.

So, I contacted Peter — we're both with the same publisher and his publicist, Ruta, used to be my publicist — and he mentioned he has a new book out titled 'The Wolfpack'. From 'The Bandido Massacre', the "execution assembly line" murders of eight bikers near the village of Shedden, Ont. to 'Business or Blood', the money and killings that swirled around Montreal mob boss Vito Rizzuto — Peter Edwards has investigated and written about every major organized crime member and murder in Canada.

Co-authored with Luis Najera, once a reporter for Grupo Reforma based in Ciudad Juá-

Coincidences? Niagara is the book's hub of the drug activity which then splits off into contract killings and massive cocaine deals in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. Welland and Port Colborne get almost as much mention in this real-life crime thriller as Montreal, the organized crime capital of Canada.

Coincidences? I too have watched a World Cup soccer match on the patio of the Sicilian Sidewalk Cafe in Toronto's "Little Italy," where drug kingpin Johnnie Raposo was assassinated at the urging of Nick Nero of Niagara Falls.

And the warehouse where the cocaine was stored and the money dropped, where a "narco junior" from "El Chapo" Guzman's Sinaloa Cartel came north to inspect the facility: well, that would be on the outskirts of Dain City, where I lived for the first 17 years of my life. The square unassuming cinder block building is on Nugent Road (I went to school and played hockey with Earl Nugent) was once owned by a friend of mine, Dale Kramer. He assembled his ultralight aircrafts in that plant and when I featured him in What's Up Niagara, we photographed him at the entrance of the building for the cover of the

Peter Edwards wrote about the mob murders of Pops Papalia in Hamilton and his Lieutenant Carmen Barillaro in Niagara Falls, Angelo Musitano in Waterdown and his brother, Pat Musitano, in Burlington.

Before their demise, Peter wrote: "The Musitano brothers are the owners of a pizza restaurant in downtown Hamilton that serves a tasty, thincrust pie."

Ihad to reread it several times, laughing harder with each pass. For 10 summers, I taught a 'Writing Funny' course at New York's Chautauqua Institute, and I used that quote to show my students how you could slip a lighthearted restaurant review into a serious feature on an organized crime killing spree.

Over dinner at Port Colborne's San Marcos restaurant, I called Peter on it. "What the hell were you thinking?" He just laughed and said it was just a nod and a wink to the Mafia brothers. Everybody's just doing what they gotta do. Peter Edwards included.

For a comment or a signed copy of humour columnist William Thomas's 'The Dog Rules — Damn Near Everything', email: williamjthomas@gmail.com.

PUNCHES ABOVE ITS WEIGHT IN RECENT TRUE CRIME TOME, WILLIAM THOMAS WRITES

SNOWFLAKES & ANGELS CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN RAISING MONEY FOR HDS

was joined by his son, Dr. John Paul Girardi, to highlight the intimate tree lighting ceremony.

Back in April, Gaetano Girardi was diagnosed with COVID-19, and doesn't remember anything for a period of time after falling asleep.

He spent eight weeks in a coma at the hospital, and while there, his lungs collapsed, and his right side became paralyzed. He was on a respirator and feeding tubes.

transfer Gaetano to his wheelchair.

At first, his therapy was to sit for two hours in a chair to help strengthen his body. "But after 15 minutes, the pain was unbearable," he remembered. "My son told me, this is your second chance. Don't blow it!"

"I'm here, I'm alive. I can walk, I can talk. I have no complaints. Whatever happens now is a bonus," he said.

Girardi is just one of the hundreds of patients who have received specialized care and rehabilitation at Hotel Dieu Shaver this past year. Many have had to rebuild their lives after a lifechanging event, devastating disease, challenging injury, or recovering from COVID-19.

honours or remembers a loved one, with a light illuminated on the Hotel Dieu Shaver grounds," said Geoffroy.

"These sparkling, bright lights represent the love of a community who comes together during this special season to make a difference in the lives of our patients."

Aformer patient and his son had the honour of flipping the switch to light the trees and grounds of Hotel Dieu Shaver.

On Nov. 18, the Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation kicked off its Snowflakes & Angels Christmas campaign with an intimate tree lighting ceremony.

Gaetano Girardi, a former patient of Hotel Dieu Shaver's postacute COVID-19 rehab program,

On four different occasions, doctors told the family he might not recover.

He was later transferred to Hotel Dieu Shaver. The team at HDS renewed hope for the Girardi family and helped to rebuild his life.

When he was first transferred to Hotel Dieu Shaver, his therapy team did an extensive evaluation. It took two people to

With some time and patience, soon he was walking with the help of a walker, completing one lap around Hotel Dieu Shaver's courtyard. Then, three laps, and finally six laps.

"The ICU doctors didn't think Iwould recover," Gaetano said. But his guardian angel, daughter Natalie, refused to let anyone give up on her father. "Without her, it would've been goodbye."

Today, Gaetano continues to do strengthening exercises at home, after he completed outpatient therapy at HDS. He feels his body getting stronger.

Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Foundation raises and manages funds for patient-care equipment, education, specialty programs, and improvements to treatment areas.

Courtney McLoughlin, development officer with Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation, noted Hotel Dieu Shaver is Niagara's only rehabilitation hospital.

"We have illuminated the grounds of Hotel Dieu Shaver to shine a light on the exemplary care being provided to our patients and their loved ones," said Tracy Geoffroy, executive director of the foundation.

"Each donation made to the Snowflakes & Angels Campaign

Donations help with the purchase of priority patient care equipment that is not funded by the government.

This year, medication stations, ultrasounds and patient lifts are on the top of the list of equipment needs. The 2020 Christmas campaign raised over $117,000, and the goal is to exceed that this year.

Community members are invited to make a donation to the Snowflakes & Angels Christmas Campaign in honour or celebration of an Angel in their life.

Donations can be made by visiting www.Foundation.HotelDieuShaver.org or calling 905685-1381 x 84214.

Donations of $50 or more, received on or before Jan. 4, will be published in the newspaper on Jan. 8.

HOTEL DIEU SHAVER SUPPORTS A POST-ACUTE COVID-19 REHAB PROGRAM AND IS NIAGARA'S ONLY REHABILITATION HOSPITAL

COVID-19 CRACKDOWN LEADS TO WARNINGS, FINES FOR NIAGARA BUSINESSES

man Andrew Korchok, however, said regional bylaw enforcement officers flagged several of the businesses the provincial officers inspected, including The Ridge Film House in Ridgeway.

other members."

Ontario's multi-ministry Reopening Ontario Act enforcement team has been cracking down on Niagara businesses blatantly flouting COVID-19 restrictions.

Provincial offences officers were in the region from Nov. 18 to 20 and visited 404 locations, said Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development spokesperson Ciara Nardelli.

She said officers issued 83 formal warnings, while tickets for ROA violations were handed out to five businesses in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines. Nardelli did not identify those businesses.

Niagara Region spokes-

The theatre caught the attention of local bylaw enforcement officers after it posted a notice on its website saying: "Due to the new government mandates we have decided that the theatre will no longer be open to the public but will operate as a private association."

According to the website, the theatre — whose owners did not respond to interview requests — is asking prospective members to pay $1 and sign a membership agreement declaring they are not working in a public capacity, they are using the theatre at their own risk and "will not seek liability toward the theatre owners or any

Niagara's acting medical officer of health Dr. Mustafa Hirji said trying to circumvent the legislation by becoming a membership-only organization "does not exempt you from the requirements of the Reopening Ontario Act," such as checking patrons for proof of vaccination, or requiring masks.

"There's no exception, if you're membership-only versus open to the public at large," he said. "If you're a restaurant that only caters to a select group of people who have memberships, for example, you still need to follow all the rules. It doesn't exempt you at all."

Hirji said Niagara Region Public Health has received a few complaints about businesses flouting the rules.

"Obviously, that's not good," he said. "We send it over to our friends in bylaw

Ontario's

offices to go do an inspection and follow up with enforcement, if necessary."

Regional bylaw officers also investigated an incident at the Pen Centre food court recently, after a group of unmasked people entered the area and were permitted to stay despite refusing to show proof of vaccination.

Korchok, however, said no action was taken against the mall as a result.

Instead, he said, the Region is continuing "constructive dialogue with the Pen Centre and are supporting them to make sure they have the information and tools they need to consistently enforce the Reopening Ontario Act."

Although enforcement efforts apply to businesses, Korchok said the legislation does not allow the Region to take action against the individuals who refused to provide proof of vaccination.

Hirji said the overwhelming majority of busi-

See FIVE,page 20

ALLAN BENNER

THE FILM RIDGE HOUSE ONE OF FIVE BUSINESSES FINED

multi-ministry Reopening Ontario Act enforcement team visited more than 400 Niagara locations ensuring businesses were properly implementing requirements such as requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccinations. Five businesses were fined including The Ridge Film House in Ridgeway.

Sarah Ferguson/Metroland

FIVE BUSINESSES TICKETED FOR COVID VIOLATIONS

Continued from page 17

ness owners are compliant with the legislation.

"Business owners are people who overwhelmingly believe in vaccinations, and they've gone through the last 20 months where they have in many cases had to shut down because of spikes in infection," he said.

"It's really just a few bad

apple exceptions that are trying to circumvent them."

Nardelli said while all businesses are expected to follow health and safety requirements, the primary purpose of inspections is to raise awareness of what they need to do under the ROA.

"The goal of these visits is to help workers and the public stay safe, and to

keep businesses open," she said in an email. "The most frequent ROA contraventions found were in relation to screening, safety plans, and eye protection not being worn by workers when working within two metres of an unmasked person when no barrier separated them."

Nardelli said the multiministry team working with local bylaw enforcement, public health and police, has issued 101 tickets across the province since Sept. 22.

–With files by Grant LaFleche and Victoria Nicolaou

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NEW TRAVELODGE OWNERS PLAN MAJOR INVESTMENTS

STARBUCKS EXPRESS COMING TO HOTEL ON LUNDY'S LANE

The Travelodge by Wyndham hotel on Lundy's Lane in Niagara Falls has new ownership and will be undergoing an extensive renovation with enhancements including a new Starbucks Express location.

Toronto-based K2 Group announced on Wednesday that it had acquired the hotel a stone's throw from the Canada One Factory Outlets.

It said the hotel is "nestled among a host of vibrant and value-packed shopping, entertainment, and dining experiences. The Travelodge Lundy's Lane is ideal for business and leisure travellers alike, allowing for productivity on the road without overcomplicating the guest experience."

K2 said the hotel already boasts many amenities and services that give it a strong competitive edge over other hotels on Lundy's Lane. But it said it plans extensive investments in the hotel all the same.

"The property will be fully renovated with enhancements to the indoor and outdoor pools, restaurant, fitness centre, meeting spaces, banquet halls and 118 guest rooms," the company said in a news release.

AStarbucks Express is also slated to open on-site by the end of the year, and negotiations for a new franchise food and beverage offering are already underway to occupy the existing

restaurant and will be announced soon, said K2.

"We are happy to welcome K2 Group as the newest owners of a Travelodge by Wyndham property within Canada," said Trevor Hagel, executive vicepresident of operations for Travelodge Canada.

"As the current ownership and operating group of the nearby Ramada Fallsview, one of the only hotels in the region to have remained open throughout the pandemic, they will certainly provide strong leadership and leadingedge improvements to the property."

Kailash Kasal, president of K2 Group, said his company is growing its existing hotel portfolio while increasing its exposure to a market with "already strong growth trajectories."

"Niagara Falls is one of Canada's most visited tourist destinations, and we look forward to working with Superior Lodging and Wyndham to enhance the already exceptional Travelodge experience and offer our guests the highest standard of hospitality."

Niagara Falls Mayor

Jim Diodati said the city is excited to see K2 Group continue to invest in Niagara Falls.

"We look forward to working closely with the K2 team as they continue their work in up-levelling and developing more properties in our community."

K2 said Niagara gets more than 13 million visitors a year in non-pandemic times, with tourism expenditures totalling $2.4 billion and $1.7 billion of that coming from overnight visitors.

The company said with proof of vaccination protocols steadily in effect and the Canada/U.S. land border now fully open, numbers are already recouping from COVID impacts, making the company's investment in the local hospitality sector a worthy and promising acquisition.

Travelodge is one of Canada's largest hotel chains with more than 100 independently owned hotels and nearly 9,000 rooms. It is a member of the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, allowing guests to earn points for free nights, gift cards or Aeroplan miles.

PAUL FORSYTH pforsyth@niagarathis week.com

The Travelodge by Wyndham hotel on Lundy's Lane in Niagara Falls has new ownership and will be undergoing an extensive renovation with enhancements including a new Starbucks Express location.

KG Group photo

A taste of holiday magic

Duck à l’orange

Are you tired of serving turkey for the holidays? This Christmas, break up your routine with this perfectly seasoned duck à l’orange. It’s guaranteed to be mouthwatering!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 whole duck, about 2.5 kilograms

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2 French shallots, peeled

• 1 lemon, quartered

• 1 apple, quartered

• A few sprigs fresh thyme

• 1 cup honey

• 2 tablespoons molasses

• 3 tablespoons orange juice

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Remove the giblets from the cavity of the duck, if necessary. Pat the skin dry with paper towels and leave uncovered overnight in the fridge

2. Preheat the oven to 150 C (300 F). Using a knife, score the fat on the breasts, taking care not to cut the flesh. Salt the outside and inside of the duck evenly. Stuff the cavity with the garlic, shallots, lemon, apple and thyme. Close the cavity with butcher’s twine or toothpicks.

3. Place the duck in a baking dish, breast side up, and bake for 1 hour Turn the duck, breast side down, and bake for another hour. Turn it over one last time and bake for one last hour

4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring the remaining ingredients to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the glaze thickens.

5. After it’s cooked for 3 hours, remove the duck from the oven and increase the temperature to 205 C (400 F). Brush the duck with the glaze and place it in the oven for 10 minutes. Baste the duck with the glaze again, and bake for another 10 minutes.

6. Let the duck stand for at least 15 minutes, then present it on a large platter garnished with holly leaves, oranges and fresh fruit.

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WALKING TRACK REOPENING

available each hour between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, excluding holidays and the week of December 27.

A 20-person capacity limit will be in effect and masks are required.

be booked up to one week in advance, said Moldenhauer.

She said the track and washrooms will be cleaned daily by staff.

Just a day after the season's first snowfall made sidewalks icy and treacherous to walk on, the City of Niagara Falls announced people wanting to get some exercise and burn off some calories will have a safer alternative: the indoor walking track at the MacBain Community Centre that used to be part of the nowclosed YMCA is reopening on Monday, Dec. 6.

Kathy Moldenhauer, director of recreation and culture, said on Monday that reservations are required and sessions will be

All visitors to the MacBain centre on Montrose Road at McLeod Road must provide proof that they have received their second vaccination at least 14 days prior to their visit, along with government issued photo ID.

Visitors must also complete COVID-19 screening upon arrival.

The track is available to those 16 years of age or older. Running and jogging are not permitted. More information about the track rules are posted on the City's website at www.niagarafalls.ca/macbain .

Reservations can be made only on the city's new, online booking site, ACTIVE Net. Sessions are offered each hour and may

A water fountain for refilling bottles only will be available. No other food or beverages are permitted in the track area.

Visitors are asked to bring clean, indoor walking shoes and leave valuables at home. Coat racks will be available, but lockers and change rooms will not.

The Gale Centre indoor walking track on Fourth Avenue is also open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., except Thursdays and Fridays when it closes at 6 p.m.

Visitors are required to check-in upon arrival, but reservations are not required at the Gale Centre.

COVID-19 screening protocols and track rules are the same as for the MacBain Community Centre.

Women walk on an indoor track. The City of Niagara Falls is opening the indoor track at the MacBain Community Centre to walkers aged 16 and over for walking.

Metroland file photo

MACBAIN CENTRE TRACK PART OF FORMER YMCA REQUIRES RESERVATIONS, AND IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO THOSE AGED 16 AND OVER

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Sweet dreams are made of these: 3 designer tips for a dreamy bedroom

Getting a restful night’s sleep isn’t just important to our energy, it plays a key role in our overall well-being. To help you create a bedroom that encourages you to rest and relax, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares her top tips for a serene space.

Make space for sweet dreams. If your goal is a tranquil bedroom, decluttering is agood place to start. “It’s easier to feel calm and relaxed when your space is free from clutter,” says Grech. To help store your favourite items, consider adding smart storage solutions into your space. “Bed frames with storage drawers and even using a chest of drawers as a nightstand are clever ways to add concealed storage to your bedroom.” Once you’ve tucked away all the items you need, but don’t

need to see, out of sight you can focus on highlighting just afew favourite pieces for a calming, intentional esthetic. Choose colours that suit your mood. Whether you want a space that gives you a spark to wake up, or a bedroom that invites you to cocoon under the blankets, there is a colour that can help create the ideal ambiance.

“If you want to relax and unwind, consider soft, warm colours like Pale Moon OC-108 that are often used for cozy and intimate spaces, or cool hues like Hint of Violet 2114-60 that create calm, yet refreshing atmospheres,” suggests Grech.

Looking for a bedroom that gives you energy to get out of bed in the morning?

“Deeply saturated paint colours such as Mysterious AF-565 or Wild Flower 209040 energize and envelop.”

Consider the fifth wall.

TERENCE DAVIDS SalesRepresentative

When it comes to the bedroom, the ceiling is often overlooked. While classic white paint is a perennial favourite, a pop of colour on the ceiling enhances a bedroom's character.

“Contrary to popular belief, painting a ceiling with colour can visually expand a

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— News Canada

Geometric design: how to use shapes in your home decor

Geometry, or the science of shapes, can be found everywhere in nature, from the hexagonal shape of honeycombs to the spirals inside pine cones. Consequently, it’s not surprising that geometry has been used throughout history to design attractive and interesting spaces. Here’s how to use common shapes in your home decor.

Squares and rectangles

These are the most common geometric shapes in design. Most houses, buildings, rooms and windows are either square or rectangular. These angular shapes provide a sense of security, stability and reliability. Squares work well in office spaces and can be used in any room when balanced with other shapes.

Triangles

Triangles have strong, masculine energy, and they re-

present motion and direction. They can create visual movement in the direction of their point. When pointing sideways, like the classic fast-forward and rewind symbols, they can represent either progression or backtracking. When pointing up, triangles create powerful, positive and stable vibes.

Circles and ovals

Circles and ovals are symbolic of unity and eternity. They can create a sense of happi-

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You can incorporate geometrical shapes using picture frames, artwork, wallpaper, tiles, rugs, fabrics and hardware. Look for these and other items at your local stores.

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POPPY PROJECT RECOGNIZED BY ONTARIO MUSEUM ASSOCIATION

NIAGARA FALLS HISTORY MUSEUM RECEIVES HONOURABLE MENTION IN ASSOCIATION'S 2021 AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

RAY SPITERI

Niagara Falls History

Museum's Poppy Project has been recognized by the Ontario Museum Association as part of its 2021 awards of excellence.

The association presented awards at a virtual event Thursday to institutions and individuals who made outstanding contributions to the museum field in Ontario, and whose innovative work inspired their colleagues, Ontarians and visitors.

The Poppy Project, which first bloomed in the fall of 2020 to honour the wartime sacrifices of Canadians, received an honourable mention in the community engagement category.

The project returned to the museum on Ferry Street this year.

The art installation began as a small, communitybased art project, but expanded into something that involved people from around the world with more than 11,000 crocheted poppy donations from every province, 25 U.S. states, as well as Denmark and New Zealand.

People stopped to take photos of the display draped over the historic 1874 stone building's exterior.

"It's great to be recognized by peers throughout the province for the work that our team does here,"

said Clark Bernat, the city's manager of culture and museums.

"We're really proud of that project and what it represents for veterans and those who have served our country."

He said the museum was recognized for last year's project, which is expected to become an annual tradition.

Bernat said while the museum was draped in poppies again this year for Remembrance Day, a display was also added at Gale Centre, which traditionally hosts the city's Remembrance Day service, as well as a display at Fairview Cemetery, where this year's ceremony was held.

"It's a project that has grown throughout the community and we will potentially grow it some more," he said, adding the museum has helped to kick-start similar projects in Lincoln, Niagara-onthe-Lake and Port Colborne.

The Ontario Museum Association will showcase

the accomplishments of the award recipients in a social-media campaign, starting Friday.

"The past year-and-ahalf has been truly challenging for the museum sector, but adversity has highlighted the incredible dedication and ingenuity of museum professionals," said Marie Lalonde, executive director of the association.

"This year, more than ever, we are thrilled to recognize the excellent work that Ontario museums are doing and the impact they have on the lives of Ontarians, whether they are connecting in person or online. We applaud this year's award recipients and look forward to their next innovations as we create the post-pandemic world together."

The association advocates for the role of Ontario's museums to society, working with all stakeholders, related sectors and industries, and other professional organizations.

Niagara Falls History Museum's The Poppy Project has been recognized by the Ontario Museum Association as part of its 2021 awards of excellence.

Torstar file photo

MINI CLOSETS HELP BRING CLOTHES TO MARGINALIZED PEOPLE

NIAGARA'S MOBILE CLOSET TEAMS UP WITH FRONT-LINE WORKERS ON NEW INITIATIVE

PAUL FORSYTH pforsyth@niagarathisweek.com

Avolunteer-run program to bring clothing to vulnerable Niagara folks including people experiencing homelessness has launched a new initiative to team up with front-line workers dealing with people in crisis, to create new "mini closets."

Niagara's Mobile Closet, which formed in Nov. 2020 to deliver clothes to homeless people in downtown St. Catharines, grew into delivering new and gently used clothes and other daily necessities around the region to shelters such as those run by the YWCA and even the Niagara Detention Centre.

Volunteers use a converted food truck owned by Pamela Nicholson, who runs the Itty Bitty Pie Company.

Amy Whittaker, program manager for the Mobile Closet, said over the last year the program has hosted more than 50 free 'shopping' events at which people, such as men and women staying at shelters, can pick out their own clothes, and has served more than 2,000 people since July.

"Being that the community is starting to get to know us, we have noticed a trend in referrals for those in an immediate cloth-

ing crisis," she said. "(But) because our program is 100 per cent driven by volunteers. Most of us have full-time jobs and do not have the capacity to jump to those crisis clothing requests."

To address the immediate need of people in crisis, the program has teamed up with frontline workers such as Niagara Regional Police (NRP), Niagara Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Niagara Assertive Street Outreach that deals with people experiencing homelessness, the Southridge Shelter in St. Catharines and Start Me Up Niagara's temporary emergency shelter to create six mini closets around the region.

One of the closets just opened up at the NRP detachment in St.

Catharines and another at the Niagara EMS based on Ontario Street in that city.

"Niagara's Mobile Closet is committed to collaboration, and our mini closet project encompasses collaboration at the root of its cause," said Whittaker.

"We want to bridge the gap in clothing to support crisis service workers in meeting a basic need for their clients, making clothing more accessible where it is widely needed," she said.

Whittaker said being able to provide people in crisis with clothing will help the crisis workers to build trust and meet a need.

"Front-line workers are fighting the good fight while facing barriers and limitations in an overwhelmed system," she said.

FORT ERIE STREET LIGHTS UP FOR HOLIDAYS

JAMES CULIC

jculic@niagarathisweek.com

The dazzling display of Christmas cheer in Fort Erie's north end is expanding this year to include a visit from Santa and a toy drive.

For years now, the residents of Bowden Street have worked together to mount a spectacle of Christmas lights and lawn displays from one end of the street to the other.

"This is the best Christmas light show in our community, put

on by some very special residents who are very close to my heart," said the area's ward councillor, George McDermott.

This year, the display culminates with a visit from Santa alongside train rides, holiday drinks, and crafts. The residents

"The issues our system faces are complex.

"We certainly do not have the answer, but we are happy to be a small part of the solution," said Whittaker. "If sharing our donations that have been generously given to us by Niagara residents can help with that, we are all for it."

NRP media relations officer Const. Phil Gavin said the complex nature of homelessness means partnerships are important.

"Homelessness is not an issue that the community can arrest their way out of," he said. "We must work with partners to help those in need; helping those in clothing crisis is an important element."

are also collecting toys for the Gift Of Love charity, and non-perishable goods for the local food bank.

"They do this event to help others and to entertain people, so I highly recommend that everyone lend them a hand by bringing an unwrapped toy or non-perishable goods and enjoy what should be a great party," said McDermott.

The lights are already up, and the big party kicks off Dec. 5 and runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Gavin said the NRP is open to discussions about having more mini closets at other detachments, based on how things go at the St. Catharines detachment.

Niagara EMS paramedic Keith Mumby said the program could be expanded to EMS stations across the region, meaning paramedics will be able to hand out clothes to people in need from their ambulances. People can also call EMS' street outreach team, that Mumby is a part of, to bring clothing to people, he said.

"This collaboration ... is a great partnership providing needed services to our community," Mumby said.

Whittaker said her group hopes to expand the initiative across the region.

Niagara EMS photo Niagara Regional Police photo

From left: Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedic Keith Mumby and Amy Whittaker, program manager with Niagara's Mobile Closet, are shown at a new mini closet at the EMS dispatch centre. The Mobile Closet is teaming up with front-line workers to put clothes in the hands of marginalized people; Niagara Regional Police Sgt. Jack Warner and Amy Whittaker, program manager with Niagara's Mobile Closet, are shown at a new mini closet at the NRP detachment in St. Catharines.

CHRISTMAS STREET PARTY, TOY DRIVE, HOSTED DEC. 5

Santa will visit Fort Erie's fabulous Bowden Street light display on Dec. 5.

James Culic/Metroland

NIAGARA FALLS APPOINTS NEW PLANNING DIRECTOR

KIRA DOLCH TO REPLACE ALEX HERLOVITCH AS DIRECTOR OF PLANNING, BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT

RAY SPITERI

The City of Niagara Falls has appointed Kira Dolch as its next director of planning, building and development.

She will take over, effective Jan. 17, from Alex Herlovitch, who is retiring after 34 years as a planner for the municipality.

Dolch most recently held the position of director of planning and development services at the Town of Fort Erie.

As a graduate of Brock University, with an honours bachelor of arts degree in urban and environmental studies, she has more than 22 years of experience in landuse planning in the private and public sectors.

After starting her career as planner for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and then working with BLS Planning Associates, Dolch joined Fort Erie in 2003 as a senior development planner and was promoted to successive positions, including

manager of development approvals, associate director of planning and development services, and the town's director in 2020.

She is a past recipient of the Ontario Planners Institute, Member Service Award, where she served a three-year term as district chair.

"Fort Erie has been a great place to work over the last 18 years and I am sad to leave such a wonderful community and a great team," said Dolch.

"Although the decision was difficult, I am extremely excited and honoured to be joining the City of Niagara Falls with so many exciting progressive projects on the horizon."

Jason Burgess, chief administrative officer for the City of Niagara Falls, said the municipality is pleased to welcome her "at an exciting time when the city is poised for significant growth and new business development, including new investment projects such as the construction of the new south Niagara hospital.

"Ms. Dolch's leadership skills and knowledge will be essential to the building and development of our community and in guiding the planning of Niagara Falls' future."

On Friday, the City of Niagara Falls announced the appointment of Kira Dolch as its new director of planning, building and development, effective Jan. 17. Dolch joins the city following the retirement of Alex Herlovitch after his 34 years as a planner for the municipality.

City of Niagara Falls photo

REDISCOVER NIAGARAFALLS

Thistownisnotjusta waterfallanymore

Packingthecarfora familytriptoNiagara Falls,Ontario,ourkids askedwhattoexpect. Andwetoldthemwhatweknew. You’regoingtoseenaturalwondersandbeautifulviews.

Butnoneofusknewwhatto expect.Thatthistownwasmuch morethanjustawaterfall.

NiagaraFallsisaworldleaderineverypartofafamilyvacation,andonascaleyouwouldn’t expect.FallsviewCasinoResort sharedthefinestviewsofthefalls aswellashighqualityrestaurants suchasPonteVecchio,andthe

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Thekidsneedsomethingto do?Takeaquickwalk,ortaxi,to CliftonHillandtheheartoftheentertainmentdistrict.Startwiththe SkyWheelandseethecityfrom above.Onceyouhaveyourbearings,evadetheTyrannosaurusRex atDinosaurAdventureGolf,and takeaselfiewithafavouritecelebrityatoneoffivewaxmuseums.

AFunHousepasswillgive youentranceintoyourchoiceof anumberofattractions,includinganindoorcircusstylesetof mazesthatwillhaveyourfamily searchingtheirwayoutofmirror

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AndhistorybeckonsattheNiagaraFallsHistoryMuseum,The NiagaraPowerPlant(wherethings reallygetelectric)andDrummond HillCemetery,kittycornertoLundy’sLaneandafoundationalmomentinCanada’shistory.

Whatevervacationyouwant tofind,awaitsatthefootofNiagaraFalls.

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A taste of holiday magic

Thyme-scented roasted carrots

Crostini two ways

A perfect blend of crispy, chewy and sweet, these two versions of crostini are sure to have guests going back for more.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 baguette of bread

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

• 1/4 cup pine nuts

• 115 grams plain goat cheese

• 1 ripe pear, sliced

• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves removed

• 2 fresh figs, sliced

• A few fresh basil leaves

• 1/4 cup honey

• Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 175 C (350 F). Cut eight thin slices of baguette Sprinkle both sides of each slice with olive oil and salt. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden

Start to finish: 20 minute s (10 minute s active)

Servings: 4

brown Set aside

2. In a small dry skillet, heat the walnuts then the pine nuts over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until lightly browned Set aside

3. Spread about 15 grams of goat cheese on each slice of bread. Season with salt and pepper. On four of them, place a few pear slices, walnuts and rosemary leaves. On the other four, layer the figs, pine nuts and basil.

4. Arrange the crostini on a serving board, and drizzle with honey.

Are you looking for a sophisticated side dish to accompany your holiday meal? These oven-roasted carrots might be just the ticket

INGREDIENTS

• 16 thin carrots, with stalks

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 220 C (425 F). Wash the carrots well, and peel them if the peel seems too thick.

2. Cut the stalks off the carrots, leaving about 2 centimetres on the end of each carrot. Place them in a baking dish, then add the olive oil, spices and leaves from 3 of the thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well with your hands or tongs to coat each carrot

3. Place in the oven for about 20 minutes, turning the carrots halfway. Place the carrots on a serving plate, and garnish with a sprig of thyme.

A taste of holiday magic

Star cookies with crabapple jelly

These cute cookies make the perfect holiday dessert, snack or treat to leave out

for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve

INGREDIENTS

• 150 grams unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1-1/2 cups flour

• 1/4 cup crabapple jelly

DIRECTIONS

1. In a stand mixer, cream the butter and vanilla extract. Add the powdered sugar, and mix until well incorporated. Add the salt and flour and mix again, scraping down the sides of the bowl regularly, until the mixture has a sandy texture.

2. Pour the mixture onto plastic wrap placed on a flat surface. Fold the plastic wrap toward the centre, and press firmly with your hands to create a solid ball of dough. Make sure the plastic wrap is airtight, and refrigerate the dough for 1 to 4 hours.

3. Preheat the oven to 175 C (350 F). Roll out the dough until it’s about 5 millimetres (1/4 of an inch) thick. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, shape 20 cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. For half of the cookies, use a second, smaller cookie cutter to create a hole in the centre Bake for 10 minutes, but make sure to rotate the pan 180 degrees at the 5-minute mark.

4. Let the cookies cool completely.

Place 1 teaspoon of crabapple jelly on top of a full cookie, and top it with one that has a hole. Press lightly to seal the two cookies together.

ARE CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON FOR FORT ERIE'S FOOD BANKS?

RICHARD

One look at grocery store shelves and it's easy to see that it is costing more and more to keep people fed.

And with food prices up nearly four per cent year over year as of the end of October, it's tougher for households with low incomes to put food on the table without having to rely on the local food bank.

Community Outreach Program Erie (COPE) and The Salvation Army, both in Fort Erie, and the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Crystal Beach are ground zero when it comes to seeing food insecurity in the community. So far, they all are holding their own and are not seeing a dramatic upturn in demand — yet.

At COPE, manager Barb Volzke said demand dipped at the beginning of the pandemic when people mistakenly thought the food bank was closed. Even once people realized that wasn't the case, demand stayed relatively steady, but support in the form of financial and food dona-

tions remained strong.

But now, with food costs increasing and COVID-19 relief programs winding down, numbers are beginning to tick up. Fortunately, donations are continuing to help COPE meet the increased demand.

"The support for us continues," Volzke said. "Most of our donors are aware of what is going on."

She said that COPE's board of directors recently approved increasing the value of food vouchers clients receive in combination with a few bags of food.

"We're able to help people more," Volzke said.

Judy Learn of the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank in Crystal Beach said that so far, the number of people who are turning to them for help has remained

Richard Hutton/Metroland

steady, but she does anticipate higher demand in the coming few weeks with Christmas just around the corner.

"Everyone wants to have a Christmas dinner," she said.

Luckily, Learn said, there is no shortage of people who want to help and so far, the food bank has been able to meet the needs of clients.

"We have raised the value of the vouchers a little bit," she said.

And, she said, there is no shortage in donations, despite the fact that food bills are rising.

"The donations are unbelievable," Learn said. "People here are so genuine and caring."

And the group is about to get a big boost in dona-

tions when the firefighters from the Fort Erie Fire Department's stations in Ridgeway and Crystal Beach host their annual food and boot drive at Joe's Your Independent Grocer on Gorham Road on Dec. 4.

"Last year, they had so much food," Learn said. "It was close to 700 or 800 pounds."

At the Salvation Army of Fort Erie, Anne Watters said donations have been dwindling for some time and that higher food prices will probably only add to the issue.

"Donations are way down and have been for a while," she said. "We were very fortunate to have a good supply when COVID started."

She said while kids were not in school, vouchers were issued to families by

Niagara Nutrition Partners in lieu of the organization's school lunch program.

"But we were seeing more adults, so the numbers didn't change," she said. "But with the kids back in school, the numbers for families are coming back up."

Food drives coming up on Nov. 4 at No Frills (Fort Erie Fire Department) and Sobeys (Ontario Provincial Police Auxiliary) should help, but Watters isn't sure how much.

"That's usually a nice way to stock the shelves," she said. "We hope it will last for a while."

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: Food prices are on the rise as Canada begins the path to emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. With families with low

NEED HELP?

Here is the contact information for food banks in this story:

COPE: Address: 32 Dufferin St., Fort Erie; 905-871-2526

SALVATION ARMY OF FORT

ERIE: 255 Gilmore Rd., Fort Erie; 905-871-1592

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD

BANK: 56 Ridgeway Rd., Crystal Beach; 905-894-2853

incomes already locked in a struggle to put food on the table, reporter Richard Hutton spoke with staff at food banks in town to see if higher costs have meant not only a rise in demand, but a decrease in donations.

Above: COPE manager Barb Volzke stocks the shelves at the Fort Erie food bank. Right: From left, Judy Learn, who organizes the St. Vincent de Paul food bank in Crystal Beach, gets some help preparing grocery bags of nonperishable food from volunteers Vivian Sheridan and Helen O'Neal.

HUTTON rhutton@niagara thisweek.com

WITH PRICES FOR GOODS RISING, ORGANIZATIONS ARE HOLDING THEIR OWN - SO FAR

SCAN FOR MORE of the latest Fort Erie news

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ROAD WAVES READY TO GET BACK TO THE GRIND

live venues were shut down, the loss of two members — keyboard player Don Letourneau and later bassist Yo Izumita.

RICHARD HUTTON rhutton@niagarathisweek.com

Go back a couple of years and things were going good for Road Waves.

The Niagara band had released its second album, 'Red Sun Rising', in 2018, and the band had become a touring machine, hitting up venues from one end of the country to the other.

"We'd go out east twice a year and out west once a year," said guitarist Ji Sharp.

Then, when the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020, the wheels began to fall off. There was the inactivity when

"We found a new keyboard player but he just kind of stopped answering our calls," Sharp said.

They have enlisted Feargus Gundy (Theatre Crisp/Mel Monaco) to help out on bass. Gundy will be on hand as a new slimmed down version of Road Waves takes to the stage Dec. 10 at the Moose & Goose in Thorold.

While the band had managed to do a couple of livestreamed shows — both put together before everything was shut down — the pandemic left the hardworking band at loose ends.

The inactivity, Sharp said, hurt the group.

"If we had still been touring hardcore, we'd all still be together," Sharp said. "Everyone's men-

tal health took a hit."

Adding to the band's misfortune, the pandemic scuttled plans for Road Waves to take their music stateside.

"I had 100 shows booked in the states," Sharp said. "We lost a lot of momentum."

One bright spot was the release of Red Dawn Rising on vi-

NEED TO KNOW

WHAT: Road Waves with guests Riders on the Storm

WHERE: Moose & Goose, 54 Paul De Divitiis Senior Way, Thorold WHEN: Dec. 10, 8 p.m.

TICKETS: $20, available at eventbrite.ca and livestockniagara.com

Joel Visentin — who also works with Phish tribute band

The Lizards — have been working on recording new music. A new single should be ready early in the new year, Sharp said.

"He's a perfect fit for what we do," Sharp said of Visentin.

The new music will be Road Waves' first since the single, "Hindsight," that was released Jan. 2020.

"It's a blessing to still be doing stuff," Sharp said.

nyl. It's something Sharp had looked forward to.

"We put it out on see-though red vinyl," he said. "It's great to have something you can hold in your hands and read the lyrics. It's been a lifelong dream."

In the meantime, Sharp, Gundy and drummer Matt Maxwell, along with noted jazz keyboardist

Tickets are $20 and are available at eventbrite.ca and livestockniagara.com. Doors tribute band Riders on the Storm are the opener for the show. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is required.

More information on Road Waves is available at the group's Bandcamp and Facebook pages.

BA005MountForestLn,NoellaCres,RidgewoodCres,WoodingtonRd....................................75Homes BB006ButlerPl,EmpirePl,SecordPl..............................................................................................74 Homes BC005CardinalDr,FoxeDr,GrossiCrt,LavenaCrt,NorthwoodDr............................................86Homes BC022BelfastAve,MontroseRd,WoodbineSt..........................................................................127Homes BC025ForestGlenDr,GlenoaksAve,OakridgeDr........................................................................55Homes BD005EldoradoAve,RideauSt........................................................................................................66Homes BD011CoventryRd,KalarRd..........................................................................................................148Homes BD018ArmstrongDr,WeyburnCir.................................................................................................... 71Homes BD031MagnoliaDr,RecineCrt,SpringBlossomDr...................................................................132Homes BD038FloraCrt,MaryDr,MilomirSt,ParksideRd......................................................................108Homes BD039AlinaCrt,GlavcicDr,MilomirSt,RichardCrt,StMichaelAve.......................................105Homes BD041ForestviewBlvd,KudlacSt,SebastianCres,ShaptonCres,StMichaelAve..............169Homes BD042BlackForestCres,CourtneyCres,ShannonDr,StMichaelAve,WestportDr............143Homes BD043ConnorCres,DilallaCres,ForestviewBlvd,StMichaelAve..........................................72Homes BE004FreemanSt,GlenayrAve,PalisCres,PetrieCrt,PettitAve.............................................94Homes

NIAGARA BAND WAS JUST HITTING ITS TOURING STRIDE WHEN PANDEMIC HIT

Anew slimmed-down Road Waves takes to the stage at the Moose & Goose in Thorold on Dec. 10.

G3 Designs photo

MEYDEN,Hans

OfReebsBaysailedawayon November26,2021tovisit withhisparentsandsiblings whomhehasmissedthese pastyears.Hewas83years old.Hansandhisfamily immigratedfromLeiden, HollandfollowingWWII arrivinginReebsBaywhere hehadlivedeversince.Hans andhisfatherworkedonthe lakers;Hansasadeckhand, hisfatherasacookandbaker. LaterHansjoinedhisbrotherin-lawbuildinghomesand remodelingcottages.Once married,Hanstookaposition atPortColborne'sINCOplant inthecarpentryshopuntil answeringacallfrom "Generous"MotorsinSt. Catharineswhereheretired after25yearsofemployment in1993.Hewasthebeloved husbandtoJudithfor58years andacherishedfatherto Michael(Yukiko)andRichard (Elisa).Hewillbelovingly rememberedbyhis grandchildren,Emily,Kiefer andKylie.

Thefamilywishestoextend theirgratitudetothestaffat NorthandPointefortheir kindness,devotionand heartfeltcareofHansover thesepastdifficultyears. Aprivatefamilyservicewill takeplacetocelebratehislife.

BILLAU,Ernst"Ernie"

PassedawayonNovember 26,2021,attheageof89 afteracourageousbattlewith cancer.Hemaintainedhisdry senseofhumor,positivityand strongwilluntiltheend.His familywillforevercherishhis memoryandmisshimdearly.

BorninAlzey,Germanyin 1932,ErnieimmigratedtoFort Erie,Ontariowithhisfamilyin 1951.Ernielovedspending timewithhisfamilyonthe waterboatingontheNiagara River.Asidefromboatinghe usedhiswell-knownskillsasa tradesmantoalwayshelphis family,friends,neighbors,and dockmates.Hewasknownto everyoneinhislifeashonest, hard-workinganddedicated tohisfamily.Ernieissurvived byMargaret,hiswifeof61 years,hischildren,Richard, LeslieandDouglas,his grandchildren,Sarah,Derek, Emily,Jason,Josephand Jackson,andgreatgranddaughterEmma.The familywouldliketoexpress theirgratitudetoDr.Scherfor hiscommitmentand sensitivitytoErnie.

Arrangementsentrustedin BennerFuneralServices,Fort Erie.

MCCOLLUM,NeilRoy 1937-2021

Itiswithheavyheartsthatwe announcethepassingofNeil RoyMcCollumonSaturday, November27,2021,inhis 84thyear.Survivedbyhis lovingwifeof63years,Sunny (Sonja)McCollum.Loving fatherofthelateLaurie,the lateKim,Randy(Charlotte), Wendy(Warren),Jamie (Brenda),andJanene(Mike). Special'Dad'toCharlie,his 'fifthdaughter'.Cherished GrandfatherofJason,Mark, James,Sonja,Neil, Christalynn,Sami,Jesse, Jordie,Courtney,Carly,Brett, andBrock.Fun-lovingGreatGrandfathertoIsla,Callum, Johnny,Clark,Ethan,and Isabella.Hewillbemissedby hisbrotherGlenn(Val)and sisters-in-lawLouiseand Peggy.Alsopredeceasedby hisbrothersRonandDane,his sisterAletaandbrother-in-law

Gerald.Neilwillalsobe missedbymanynieces, nephews,cousinsandbyhis countlessfriendswhohe treatedlikefamily.Sunnyand Neilwereteenage sweethearts,marriedin November1958.Theylivedin Bismarckformostoftheirlives together,raising6children andrunningtheirbusiness NeilMcCollumLtd.Neilwasa bigpartofhiscommunity.He playedhockeyandbaseball, aswellascoachedand sponsoredmanyteams.He couldoftenbefoundcheering onhischildrenand grandchildrenattheirchosen events.Thosewhoknewhim oftendescribedhimasabig manwithanevenbiggerheart andagreatsenseofhumor. Specialthankstothestaffand nursesatEdgewaterGardens fortheircareandsupport.Due toCOVID-19restrictions,a privatefamilyfuneralwasheld Tuesday,November30th.For thosewishingtoviewthe service,alinktoarecording willbeavailableontheMerritt FuneralHomewebsite.In memoryofNeil,donationsto thePelhamCommunity ChurchorEdgewaterGardens inDunnville,wouldbe appreciatedbyhisfamily.

merritt-fh.com

Hisfamilyandfriendsknew himasastrong,loving,hardworkingdevotedhusbandand dadwhoalwaysknewthe rightthingtosay(evenifit wasinappropriate).Mattwould lightuparoomwithhissmile, enthusiasm,hisquickwitand senseofhumor.Hewasajack ofalltradesandworked extremelyhard,takingpridein allhisjobs,whetheritwas buildingaplayhouseforhis girlsoramajorundertakingat ArcelorMittalDofasco,where heworkedmuchofhiscareer, asaMillwright. Mattwasaleader,hewaswell respected,alwaysthereto lendahandtoeveryonehe knew,andeventostrangers. Mattlovedtheoutdoors;itwas hisfavoriteplacetobe.Trips tothecottage,boating,fishing andmakingthebestfires,The Hipalwaysthesoundtrackin thebackground.Onthese adventureshemadeithis personalmissiontoensure

everyonehadthebesttime. Mattlived1000yearsinthe43 yearswehadwithhimhe neverstopped,helovedlife andlivedittotheabsolute fullest,hemadethisworlda betterplaceandlefthismark everywhere.Matt'svoiceand hislaughwerelargerthanlife andwillechoinourhearts forever.

Mattissurvivedbyhiswife Renéeandtheirthree daughters,Vivienne,Lylaand Molly;hismotherKarenKemp (Wally),fatherHenryKubik (Liz),brotherShaneKubik nephewsSamandJakeand theirmotherSarahBigger; mother-in-lawMarianneAllan (Dave),sister-in-lawBrandy Hillyardandniecesand nephewJimmy,Emmaand Lauren;Cousinwhoheloved likeabrotherTrevorToth (Crystal)andtheirchildren TrentandOwen.Predeceased byhisgrandparentsDougand MayKemp,andMikeand JaninaKubik.Hewillbe lovinglymissedbyhislarge extendedfamilyandsomany closefriendsthathe consideredfamily. ACelebrationofLifetobe heldatalaterdate.Burialwas beheldatSt.Ann'sCemetery Saturday,November27thfor familyandclosefriends.Inlieu offlowers,memorialdonations canbemadetoPathstones.

Onlinecondolencesattallmanfuneralhomes.ca.

TONNIES,SusanElizabeth

April20,1953October20,2021

Susanpassedsurroundedby herfamilyathome,following anongoingbattlewithcancer. Predeceasedbyhermother ChristinaFoss,herstepFather GordonFossandsonDavid LeblancJr.Survivedbyfamily, husbandRichardTonnies, daughterJeanetteMcKayand grandsonKieranMcKay. Specialthankstohersisters-in -law,FrancesandDiannefor theirsupportaswellasthe MAIDprogram.Inaccordance withherwishes,Susanhas beencremated.Inlieuof flowers,pleasemakeany memorialcontributionstothe CanadianCancerSociety.

KUBIK,MatthewLawrence July2,1978-November20,2021

OBITUARIES | REMEMBERING THE LIVES OF THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY

And have you gone, forever gone and left us here to weep. Till we are called to follow you, and in the grave to sleep; yet since you could no longer stay to cheer us with your love, we hope to meet with you again in the bright world above.

Your memory is as dear today, as in the hour you passed away. Always so good, unselfish and kind none on this earth your equal I’ll find.

SCHNEIDER(TEAL),AnnaMarie

Annapassedawaypeacefully atDouglasMemorialHospital, FortErie,Ontario.Annawas predeceasedbyherhusband Ronald,March28,2020,and sonPatrick.Sheissurvivedby herdaughterLisaOchej (Edward),grandchildren

Mollissa,AdamandStephen Ochej;Michelle(Dunn)and MichaelSchneider.Annaalso hastwogreat-grandchildren

SarahandMatthew.Annawill bealsobedearlymissedby hersisters;JoanFonfaraand PatsyBurkeaswellasmany nieces,nephewsandloyal friends.Shespentyearsasa hairstylistthenswitchedher careertorealestateuntilher retirementintheearly90's. Annawasanavidbridge playerandenjoyedreading everybestselleruntilhersight failed.Annalovedherfriends andfamilydeeplywithaheart ofgold."AuntAnna"willbe rememberedforherSunday pancakebreakfastsfornieces andnephews.Oneofher

favouritequoteswas "EnthusiasmPromotes Energy".Annalovedhertown ofRidgeway,shewasalongtimememberofTheRidgeway LionessClubandhelpedrun manyfundraisers.Many thanksforthecaringand compassionatecomplexcare unitnursesatFortErie hospital,Dr.Scherforhis palliativecareandmanyyears ofcarefromDr.Che.Alsoa thank-youtoBillie-Joand ColleenfromGarrisonPlace fortakingexcellentcareof Annaforthetenmonthsshe wasthere.ACelebrationof LifeforAnnaandRonald (Ronald'swaspostponeddue toCOVID)willbeheldat WilliamsFuneralHomein RidgewayonDecember8, 2021at11a.m.Refreshments tofollowatCrystalRidge CommunityCentre.

DonationstoDouglas MemorialHospitalor RidgewayLions/Lionesswould beappreciated.

Notice

St.John'sPublicCemetery

2878St.John'sDrive, Jordan,Ontario,L0R1S0

License#CM-02567

St.John'sPublicCemeteryhassubmittedby-lawstotheRegistrar oftheFuneral,BurialandCremationServicesAct,2002.Any interestedpartiesmaycontactBrianG.Culp,Superintendentat 905-641-5945forinformationortoobtaincopies.Theproposed By-LawmaybereviewedandtoobtaincopiesatSt.John'sPublic Cemetery,2878St.John'sDrive,Jordan,OntarioL0R1S0. TheseBy-LawsaresubjecttotheapprovaloftheRegistrar, Funeral,BurialandCremationServicesAct,2002.

BereavementAuthorityofOntario

647-483-2645or1-844-493-6356

HOPMAN, StarlingMarguerite December4,1923November21,2021

Starlingleftuspeacefullyon November21,2021aftera long,happylife.DearestMom toJenniferNoble,Tony, Terence(Hoppy)andLoretta Hopman.NanstoSean-Evans Hopman,KarenLingenfelter, Katherine,Andrewand AnthonyNoble.Mom-in-lawto MaxNoble,AmithaHopman andDonaldWhite.Grandmother-in-lawtoVanessa Hopman,DavidLingenfelter andLauraNoble.GreatGrand NanstoAdriannaStarling, Denzil,Sebastian,Hayley, Lauren,Amelie,RoseandLucy

InLovingMemory WARNER,CharlesE. August17,1946December1,2014

Somuchlove,somuch laughter,somuchjoy. Treasuredmemories. Alwaysinourhearts,The HanesFamily

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOVENAS

ThankYouStJude

ThankyouStJudeforprayers answeredandreceived. F.S.

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Inlovingmemoryof FrancesDellaYork

March15,1936December4,2020

Yourlifewasablessing, yourmemoryatreasure. Youarelovedbeyondwords, andmissedbeyondmeasure.

Yourlovingfamily

Honour life’s milestones with a published announcement.

while you lie in peaceful sleep, your memory we shall always keep.

may heal the broken-hearted, time may make the wound less sore; but time will never stop the longing for the loved one gone before.

FinancialAnalyst

NiagaraPeninsulaEnergyInc.(NPEI)isseekingaqualifiedindividualtojoinourteamworking outofourcorporateofficelocatedinbeautifulNiagaraFallsinthepositionofFinancialAnalyst. ReportingtotheDirectorofRegulatoryAffairs,theFinancialAnalystisresponsibleforproviding analysis,reviewandreportingtoensurethataccountingandregulatoryrequirementsareaccurateandreportedinatimelymanner. Thispositionisalsoresponsibleformonitoringinternalcomplianceinconjunctionwithapplicableregulations.

Themaindutiesandresponsibilitiesforthispositioninclude:

•Responsiblefortherecordingandanalysisofregulatoryassets,varianceaccounts,fixedassets,capitalcontributionsand billingentries.

•EnsurecompliancewithOntarioEnergyBoard(OEB)accountingandregulatoryguidelines.

•AnalyzeRegulatoryVarianceandDeferralaccountsforoutstandingbalances,billinganomalies,regulatoryadjustmentsand interestcalculations.

•Prepareandanalyzemonthlyunbilledrevenueaccrual,highlightingtrendsandinvestigatingcausesforvariances.

•Preparemonthlyandannualgeneralledgeraccountreconciliationandworkingpapers.

•Prepareandanalyzequarterlyandannualregulatoryfilings.

•PreparevariousexhibitsrequiredfortheannualIncentiveRateMechanismandCost-of-Servicerateapplications.

•OverseethewholesalesettlementprocessinanadvisorycapacitytotheDirectorofRegulatoryAffairs.

•PrepareandsubmitIndependentElectricitySystemOperator(IESO)settlementformstosettlecostofelectricity.

RequiredKnowledge&Qualifications:

•UniversityDegreeinFinanceorAccounting.

•Requiresaprofessionalaccountingdesignation(CPA,CA,CGA,CMA).

•3–5 yearsofrelevant,progressiveexperience.

•WorkexperienceinanelectricutilityandknowledgeOEBcodesandregulationsisanasset.

•KnowledgeofOntarioEnergyBoard(OEB)code,regulations,procedures,record-keepingandreporting,rateapplicationsand filingrequirements.

•Strongplanning,analyticalandproblemsolvingskillswithaclearfocusonthedeliveryofexcellentcustomerservice.

•Advancedskillsintheuseofcomputerprogramsforspreadsheets(Excel),wordprocessingandpresentationapplications, aswellasfinancialaccountingdatabase,softwareandquerytools.

NOTE: ApplicantswhoreceiveanyconditionalofferofemploymentfromNPEIwillberequiredtoprovideproofthattheyarefully vaccinatedwithaCOVID-19vaccineapprovedbyHealthCanadaandtomaintaintheirstatusasfullyvaccinatedasaconditionof continuedemployment.NPEIwillconsiderindividualrequestsforaccommodationbyapplicantswhocannotbefullyvaccinateddueto groundsprotectedundertheHumanRightsCode.

HowtoApply:

Interestedandqualifiedapplicantsareencouragedtoapply,inconfidence,bysubmittingacoverletterandresumebyemailaddressed to:humanresources@npei.canolaterthan4:30p.m.onFriday,December10,2021

Wesincerelythankallapplicantsfortheirinterestinthisposition;however,duetovolume,onlythoseselectedforaninterviewwillbe contacted.NiagaraPeninsulaEnergyInc.isanequalopportunityemployerandisAODAcompliant.Ifyouareselectedtoparticipatein therecruitmentprocessforthepositiontowhichyouhaveappliedandrequireadisability-relatedaccommodation,pleasenotifythe HumanResourcesDepartment.

CanadianTireGrimsby IsGrowing&Hiring!

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FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS INSPIRES ILLUMINATION DINNER DEC. 10

nounced that people will have a chance to indulge in a special five-course, winepaired dinner at the famous location at the brink of the Horseshoe Falls on Friday, Dec. 10, while taking in the illumination of the falls and the Festival of Lights.

The OPG Winter Festival of Lights is a favourite draw for people in Niagara Falls this time of year, but it's also serving as the inspiration for what will be a memorable evening of wine and food at Table Rock Restaurant.

Niagara Parks an-

The agency said chef Elbert Wiersema has crafted a five-course menu featuring classic French dishes prepared with a twist, each paired with its own handselected Niagara wine. The holiday-themed dinner will be served in the recently renovated dining room of the restaurant, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer an unforgettable view of the Falls and the nightly illumination.

The Parks said the evening begins with a welcome reception featuring ele gant hors d'oeuvres and a Dillon's Maple French 75 served as a welcome cocktail Guests will then be seated to enjoy an intimate dining experience led by chef Elbert, who will walk guests through his menu, highlighting the ingredients sourced from local producers, farmers and purveyors and VQA wines from some of Niagara's top wineries.

People can complete their dinner with a stroll or drive through the millions of twinkling lights and holiday displays located just outside the doors of Table Rock Centre.

Tickets for what's being called the 'Illumination

Dinner' cost $150 and include parking, welcome reception, five-course dinner, wine pairings, tax and gratuity. Tickets are available for purchase at

https://www.niagaraparks.com/events/event/ illumination-dinner.

Born in Holland, chef Wiersema has worked in Paris, London and Bermu-

da. The Parks said his culinary philosophy and style are firmly rooted in classic French cuisine with Pacific Rim and Caribbean undertones.

Table Rock Restaurant, with its stunning view of the Horseshoe Falls, will host a special illumination dinner on Dec. 10 inspired by the OPG Winter Festival of Lights.

Niagara Parks photo

REMOTE WORK WILL BE KEY POST-PANDEMIC FOR NIAGARA FIRMS

LOCAL FIRMS SAY CRITICAL SHORTAGE OF TALENT IS THEIR NO. 1 CHALLENGE, SAY SOUTH NIAGARA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

PAUL FORSYTH pforsyth@niagarathisweek.com

Niagara companies for whom remote work became a lifeline when the pandemic made it impossible or very difficult for employees to head to the office to toil nine to five would be wise to adopt remote work and crossborder as a permanent part of their operations, new research suggests.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC Canada) unveiled a new research report on the phenomenon on Wednesday, commissioned by the Canadian Payroll Association, saying many businesses are coming face-to-face with the critical challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified employees.

Many Niagara companies, such as restaurants and even plastic factories, say they're having difficulty attracting workers after 20 months of disruptions, shutdowns and COVID-19 restrictions.

PwC said remote work that allowed many companies to continue to operate during the pandemic should now be looked at by business and government leaders as a key element in any growth strategy for companies in a post-pandemic economy. That's especially true for industries where skilled labour is even more difficult to find, such as the technology and financial services sectors, the company said.

"We have now seen that businesses can function and thrive with a remote workforce," said Michael Dobner, national leader of economic and policy for PwC Canada, in a news release.

"The option of remote and cross-border work as a permanent feature of future human resources strategy has the potential to open up new talent pools —both within Canada and inter-

nationally — and make access to work more equitable," he said.

Dolores Fabiano, executive director of the south Niagara chambers of commerce including Niagara Falls, Greater Fort Erie, Port-Colborne Wainfleet and Welland-Pelham, said many local businesses are desperate for workers.

"We are hearing from many members across all sectors that this is their current No. 1 challenge," she said. "This is impacting their ability to maintain current levels of service and/or impeding their opportunity to grow and expand."

She said the shortage is across all sectors. For restaurants and the hospitality sector, many workers have actually left

the sector after the long lockdowns and pursued jobs in other fields, meaning eateries that had well-trained staff before the pandemic may be in a far different situation now.

Opting to make remote and cross-border work an ongoing part of their business will require significant and additional administrative work by employees and their payroll teams, but the costs of not engaging in cross-border and remote work arrangements will likely exceed any additional administrative costs, PwC Canada said.

Peter Tzanetakis, president of the Canadian Payroll Association, said remote employment is a"topic of growing interest for every employer in Canada."

PwC said Canada's labour shortage has reached "alarming new heights" in recent months, with job vacancies growing by 22 per cent just from May to June.

The company said Canadians were three times more likely to resign from their jobs due to dissatisfaction in June compared to ayear ago, and said the challenge of finding enough skilled talent has shown how essential an organization's people are to its health and success.

Fabiano said employers will have to change their thinking on how to retain and attract talent. "Thinking that things will go back to the way they were prepandemic is unrealistic," she said. "(Employers) are going to have to create work opportuni-

ties that are a little different, and flexibility is going to be key."

The new report said remote and cross-border work give employers access to a more extensive and a more diverse talent poll, and help to retain and engage current staff because flexible working arrangements are viewed more than ever as a "must-have" for employees.

The study authors said as cross-border work becomes more widely accepted, Canadian workers will have access to more job opportunities without the need to uproot their families.

Fabiano said workplaces need to ensure employees can share, collaborate and create regardless of whether they work from home or the office.

With many Niagara companies struggling to recruit and retain qualified employees, a new study says remote work and even cross-border remote work will be a key element in any growth strategies for companies post-pandemic.

Sarah Chai/Pexels

BRAWL BY THE FALLS AT SCOTIABANK CONVENTION CENTRE

DEC. 18 EVENT IN NIAGARA FALLS TO FEATURE SOME OF NORTH AMERICAN'S TOP FIGHTING TALENT

PAUL FORSYTH pforsyth@niagarathisweek.com

Fans of mixed martial arts will be in their glory at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls next month when what's being described as the first mixed martial arts event at the centre goes live.

Dubbed the "Brawl by the Falls," the event is the brainchild of Tarps Off Fight Club, the newest mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion in Canada.

Christian Mancuso, who launched Tarps Off Sports in 2020 and who is the chief executive officer of Tarps Off Fight Club (TOFC), said the Scotia-

bank Convention Centre show taking place on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. will feature top local and international fighters.

"(It) will be a night of top-level MMA action, where alongside a packed card featuring some of North America's top young talent, two titles will be decided," said Mancuso, a Niagara Falls native now living in Fort Erie.

The first matchup is for the first Tarps Off Fight Club featherweight championship belt and features a battle between two of what Mancuso called "the toughest men in Canadian MMA" — Michael Imperato (9-4) versus Eric Wilson (7-10).

In a battle of the 155-pounders, fighting for the TOFC lightweight championship, Ontario's own "Handsome" Scott Hudson (12-5-1) will square off against the always dangerous Dominic Clark (15-11).

The night will feature eight

Michael Imperato will take on Eric Wilson for the Tarps Off Fight Club featherweight title at Brawl by the Falls at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls on Dec. 18.

TOFC photo See

SEEING USF LIVE INSPIRED PROMOTER FOR FALLS EVENT

Continued from page 67

bouts in total.

"It will be great fights all night, with the added bonus of expert colour commentary from UFC star Diana Belbita," said Mancuso. "We are just so proud to be working with her. She is atrue inspiration and professional."

Mancuso said that as the owner of a sports publication that covers major MMA promotions, "I saw the Ontario MMA scene and knew there just wasn't enough infrastructure for all the great talent we have in the province.

"I'm very passionate

about MMA."

Mancuso said he flew out to cover a fight between Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier and was convinced he needed to bring that kind of excitement to Canada.

"After seeing how electric the crowd was and what the buzz felt like as a fan, I was hooked on the idea of bringing that energy and the passion that Dana White and the UFC bring to their promotion to Canada," he said.

Mancuso said mixed martial arts is a huge and growing sport that packs in fans.

"MMA is a massive

sport," he said. "It is one of the fastest-growing sports globally and I know some of my boxing friends won't like to hear this but the (MMA) sport is just better."

He said the Scotiabank event will have a live audience of up to 1,300 people and will be streamed on the FITE TV app, making the first Tarps Off Fight Club a global event.

Tickets for the Dec. 18 event range from $64.99 to $168.99 at ringside.

Mancuso said the event will be the first of five or six such fight events in Canada coming in 2022 if COVID-19 restrictions don't get in the way.

"We are (also) cooking up something major with the world's largest martial arts organization," he said. "There should be a massive announcement coming the night of the fight."

Tickets for the Scotiabank event are now available at www.fallsconventions.com.

2019HONDAPILOTTOURING(AWD)

6cyl,auto,air,cruise,tilt,2ndRowPwrWindow,pw,pdl, p-seat,leatherint,sunroof,8psgr,rearair,alumrims,heated seat,TV/DVD,Backup,70,221km,CERT.#41-2730

8cyl,auto,air,cruise,tilt,pw,pdl,p-seat, 5psgr,heatedseat,BackupCamera, Navigation,55,109km,CERT.#41-2187

2021HONDACR-VBLACKEDITION(AWD)

4cyl,auto,air,cruise,tilt,pw,pdl,p-seat,leatherint, sunroof,5psgr,alumrims,heatedseat,BackupCamera, Navigation,usedvehicle,13,075km,CERT.#41-2140

2019HONDAODYSSEYEX(2WD)

6cyl,auto,air,cruise,tilt,2ndRowPwrWindow,pw,pdl, p-seat,leatherint,sunroof,7psgr,rearair,alumrims,heated seat,TV/DVD,Backup,131,086km,CERT.#41-2725

2016NISSANJUKESV(AWD)

6cyl,auto,air,cruise,tilt,2ndRowPwrWindow,pw,pdl, p-seat,sunroof,8psgr,alumrims,heatedseat,TV/DVD, BackupCamera,60,782km,CERT.#41-2075

6cyl,auto,air,cruise,tilt,cd,pw,pdl,p-seat, sunroof,5psgr,alumrims,heatedseat,Backup Camera,Navigation,115,253km,CERT.#41-2132

4cyl,auto,air,cruise,tilt,cd,pw,pdl, sunroof,5psgr,alumrims,heatedseat, BackupCamera,127,631km,CERT.#41-2659

4cyl,auto,air,cruise,tilt,cd,pw,pdl, 5psgr,alumrims,heatedseat,Backup Camera,110,486km,CERT.#41-2430

sunroof,5psgr,alumrims,heatedseat,BackupCamera, Navigation,144,792km,CERT.#41-2613

Howtocalculateyourmonthlycarpayment. (Note:examplebasedon6.99%interest.Allfinancingisonapprovedcredit.Licensingfeeextra.)

(AllvehiclepricesshownincludeafullSafety,E-test&Certification-unlessnotedotherwise) Amounttobefinanced: $10,000 )

5YEARTERM:

(Totalcostofborrowing:$1877.60) $197.96

6YEARTERM: (Totalcostofborrowing:$2271.68) $170.44

7YEARTERM: (Totalcostofborrowing:$2673.92) $150.88

*Allloansareopenandcanbepaidofatanytimeduringterm.Postedinterestratebasedontimeofprinting&subjecttochange.

2016NISSANMURANOSV(AWD)

2016VWTIGUANSPECIALEDITION(4MOTIONAWD)

2018CHRYSLERPACIFICATOURING-L(PLUS)