May 2020 Town of Pelham Newsletter
May 2020 Town of Pelham Newsletter
Remembering Councillor Mike Ciolfi
The Town of Pelham was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ward 1 Councillor Mike Ciolfi.
Councillor Ciolfi’s warmth, compassion, and innate goodness was evident in all interactions with Town staff and community members alike. The passion and dedication exhibited towards his community was undeniable, making every effort to ensure the interest of those he served was represented.
“Mike was a titan, as a person, as a politician. He was an extraordinary person and I will miss him,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. “It’s easy to take for granted the relationships we have with people, and it really hits home when you lose someone you’ve developed a strong working and personal relationship with. Our community’s light has dimmed as a result of Mike’s passing, but he will brighten our future as he watches over us. Mike showed us all that hard work, perseverance, and compassion goes a long way in this world, and I hope that every life he has touched remembers his lessons and guidance. To his family and friends, I would like to extend my sincerest condolences. A difficult time has been made monumentally more so with the loss of Mike. Mike will live on in our hearts and minds.”
Councillor Ciolfi’s tireless work on Council and several volunteer committees highlighted his love for municipal leadership and helping those in the community; his impact as a family member, friend, and community leader cannot be understated. The friendly smile, jovial laugh, and kind presence will be profoundly missed by all.
The Town of Pelham asks everyone to keep Councillor Ciolfi’s family and friends in their hearts and minds during this very difficult time.
Donations in honour of Councillor Mike Ciolfi can be made to Pelham Cares: www.pelhamcares.org/donate
On the Pelham Cares website, those wishing to make a donation can fill out the form and choose the “memorial/in honour of” option in the “fund” category.
Pelham Fire Department bans all consumer and commercial fireworks sales and use during COVID-19
The Town of Pelham’s Fire Services Department has suspended all commercial and consumer fireworks sales and use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pelham’s fireworks bylaw (Bylaw 2951 (2008)) regulates the sale and setting off of fireworks in the Town of Pelham, including low hazard fireworks which are most commonly used for recreational and personal use. These fireworks include, but are not limited to: showers, fountains, golden rain, lawn lights, pin wheels, roman candles, volcanoes, sparklers, Christmas crackers, Chinese lanterns, and caps for toy guns.
“We’re asking all Pelham residents to adhere to the fireworks suspension,” said Fire Chief Bob Lymburner. “We will all miss the fireworks shows during our major holidays, but it’s important during this time that we minimize the risks of large gatherings and unnecessary calls to the fire department.”
Any violation of this ban would be a contravention of the bylaw and subject to an Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP) of $250.
The fireworks ban will remain in effect during the declared state of emergency, and will be re-evaluated when emergency orders are lifted. For more information about fireworks in the Town of Pelham, including a link to the bylaw, visit: www.pelham.ca/fireworks
Property maintenance during COVID-19: what is and what is not permitted
With spring’s arrival, maintenance of property by the municipality and private contractors is a common sight. The Town of Pelham has received calls from the community with questions about what is and is not permitted with this type of work.
Landscaping and lawn care businesses providing services strictly for safety, security, or sanitation purposes are permitted. This is to ensure that properties remain safe, property standards are met, and grass is maintained to help prevent weeds, ticks, and mosquitoes in tall grass and standing water.
Under provincial direction, businesses are not permitted to conduct landscaping projects that are to beautify a property, or for aesthetics, such as planting shrubs and trees or installing garden features or fountains.
“Many people rely on lawn care and landscaping businesses to maintain their property,” said director of public works Jason Marr. “We recognize the obligation we all have to maintain our property for safety and security. For the time being, the restriction is placed on adding those additional aesthetic features, but the work that is permitted allows residents the peace of mind that their properties can still be maintained during this time.
Companies operating in Pelham have been contacted by the bylaw department, and must adhere to guidelines of physical distancing and provide safe worksites, including: one person per vehicle, a maximum of four persons per site at any one time, maintaining physical distance of two metres (approximately six feet) from others at all times, and hand sanitizer must be available to workers attending sites.
As per the provincial regulations, some activities are not permitted until further notice. Examples include construction of pools, sheds, detached garages and carports and decks. Installation of new asphalt, interlocking brick / pavers or concrete driveways are also not permitted under the direction of the province’s list of essential workplaces.
During normal business hours, concerns around enforcement of COVID 19 emergency orders should be directed to Pelham Bylaw at 905-658-2869 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday to Sunday. After hours, please call Niagara Region’s dispatch line at 905-984-3690 or 1-877-552-5579. Do not call 911.