A goodly crowd, braving the rain, enjoyed a romp through local history with noted local historian, Brain Narhi, who, with the aid of maps, archeological finds and books, took us on a tour of this Grantham area from the early use by the Indian tribes to the development of the residential neighbourhoods we now call home.

Evidence of early cemeteries, continued findings of Indian arrow heads and pottery, an active development by uprooted Empire Loyalists, leading to very productive farms and orchards that now have been transformed into residential streets, with side trips though early judicial quirks, unseemly behaviour by supposedly ‘gentle’ folks and continued evidence of original family names now identifying streets, the tour de force was interesting, engaging and insightful.

Brian Narhi made mention of the dedication of a commemorative plaque to mark the “Darby Cemetery’ now scheduled for June 18, 2011 at 11:00 AM in Cherie Road Park … exact location to be given closer to the date. He also mentioned his pleasure in receiving the lower part of a tomb stone that has been missing for about 60 years and now completing that reminder of a very early family settler.

The WCNA areas of interest were expanded with a resolution to change the constitution to now include what is known as “The Reach Eight” area of the Creek, extending from Niagara Street through to Grantham and beyond. With the restoration work almost complete in that area, the Creek is once more visible and the possibility of its attractiveness is greatly enhanced. The addition of members in this neighbourhood adds further potential to people of special skills and interests an we welcome them most happily. Karen Hendle, whose home borders on the Creek, now joins the WCNA Executive as a non-voting member, providing insight and awareness of that neighbourhood.

Reporting on ‘The Spring Stroll” through the parks with Councillors Bill Phillips and Dawn Dodge, along with staff from the Parks Department and the Lake Street Public works staff, notes and photographs of  the severe destruction of many trees by the wind storm and also the extent of work remaining to re-develop areas where the major restoration and erosion control activities have been ongoing, recored the work that will be undertaken as weather permits. Attention to repairing wet trail areas and added attention to accessibility were highlighted as well.

A ‘Stroll’ through the Reach Eight area, with Councillors Greg Washuta and Peter Secord, plus appropriate City Staff members,  is being scheduled now that the contract work is almost completed.

Attendance at the May Community meeting included Jennifer McQuillan and Jason Schildroth of the Parks and Community Services department, who have taken on the task of aiding community development activities with City community groups. This additional attention to building vibrant and interesting neighbourhoods is much appreciated and anticipated cooperation with the WCNA is a most positive advancement.

Discussion as to a new additional children’s new playground continues with the location a yet to be determined question.

Chairperson Ben Hannan encouraged the attendees to provide information on concerns or issues they perceive in the Parks, noting access to the Executive can be by phone … WCNA answering machine at City Hall is 905-688-5601 extension 1912 … or by email to “wcnasecretary@gmail.com”. The addition of doggy ‘poop and scoop’ stations, with appropriate bags and waste disposal, is under discussion. Members are reminded that the Parks are ‘dogs on leash only’ parks and free running dogs are not permitted by City bylaw.

The program content of the June Community meeting, to be held at the Lions’ Club Hall on Niagara Street on June 22nd, will be announced following the WCNA Executive meeting scheduled for June 7th.

Our May 18th meeting will feature guest speaker Brian Narhi, who will be sharing his extensive knowledge of the history of our area.

Grantham Lions Club
732 Niagara Street
St. Catharines, ON

7:00 pm

Please mark your calendar now to join us for this informative event!