PROBUS St. Catharines

Men’s Breakfast
2023-10-17 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-09-19 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-08-15 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-07-18 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-06-20 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-04-18 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-03-21 09:30 - 11:00, 2023-02-21 08:30 - 10:00 (America/Toronto) | Johnny Pastrami’s Diner, 569 Lake St, St., St. Catharines, Ontario, L2N 4J1, Canada
Our club group breakfast is at 8:30 at Johnny Pastrami’s on Lake St in the Club Heidelberg building near Lakeshore Rd. Johnny offers a great breakfast at very reasonable price and lots of coffee refills (decalf or straight up).
Please use the side entrance. Lots of parking
Don’t be shy – bring a friend. A great way to introduce him to our club.
Art Currie

Ernie Sibbett - Crime Stoppers of Niagara
2023-10-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Niagara Elder Abuse Prevention Network (NEAPN) in partnership with Crime Stoppers of Niagara presents “Be Aware…Take Care: A Safety Guide for Our Community”.

Ernie Sibbett warns of scams, threats directed at seniors
Duncan McLaren introduced speaker Ernie Sibbett, chair of the board of Crimestoppers Niagara, who was accompanied by Dorothy Nugent and Carolyn Robinson from Crimestoppers.
Ernie talked about the Niagara Elder Abuse Prevention Network and its safety guide called “Be Aware…Take Care.” Ernie said that Crime Stoppers, which receives a yearly grant of $50,000 from Niagara Region, fields 60 to 70 calls per day related to elder abuse.
The program’s aim is to provide information on fraud, scams, and threats to elders and to assist them if they are victims. He reviewed some of the scams directed at seniors such as telemarketing, mail or newspaper marketing, cyber scams, thefts by deception or distraction, bank related scams and identity theft.
Ernie offered examples of scams such as someone calling claiming to be from your bank or from the CRA demanding immediate payment; someone calling to warn that your computer has been infected with a virus but they can fix it if you give them access to your computer. A common one is someone calling pretending to be a friend or relative in an emergency and in need of money.
He warned of two red flags related to such calls: an immediate request for money or a request for personal information. He advised that in such cases, you should hang up immediately. He noted that many people fail to do so but recommended that if potential victims have concerns, they should notify the police.
Ernie also warned about door-to-door sales. Provincial laws ban door-to-door sales for certain household appliances, but he said you shouldn’t feel pressured and should never allow strangers into your home. As a rule, don’t enter into any contract with someone that you didn’t initiate contact with.
Ernie recommended signing up with the National Do Not Call List. Although this won’t eliminate all unsolicited calls, it can reduce the number and type of calls you receive.
Ernie also spoke about the Niagara Community Information Database which can be reached by calling 211 to receive information about a wide variety of government and other service providers. Ernie mentioned the importance of having a legal Power of Attorney for both personal care and for property to designate someone to make important decisions if you become incapable.
Further information is available at www.crimestoppersniagara.com and a complete list of contact information for Niagara community resources is available in the safety guide booklet.
Duncan thanked Ernie for his important and informative presentation and presented him with a gift certificate.

Romeo Lunch
2023-09-27 13:30 - 15:00, 2023-08-30 13:30 - 15:00, 2023-07-26 13:30 - 15:00, 2023-06-28 13:30 - 15:00, 2023-04-26 13:30 - 15:00, 2023-03-29 13:30 - 15:00, 2023-03-01 12:30 - 14:00, 2023-01-25 12:30 - 14:00 | Dalhousie Yacht Club, 74 Lighthouse Rd, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
The monthly Romeo Lunch at the Dalhousie Yacht Club
Gathering time is noon and lunch will be served at 12:30.
Emily will take the drinks order at your table and payment will be at the table as well – preferably by debit or credit card
This is a great opportunity to introduce prospective members to our club.

PROBUS Fall Car Rally
2023-09-27 09:00 - 12:00 | To Be Determined, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Fall Car Rally

The date has been set for the PROBUS Fall Car Rally to make its return.

The rally will be held on Wednesday, September 27 and is slated to wind up at Johnny Pastrami’s on Lake Street for lunch.

The rally is open to all members and guests. Further details regarding starting point and cost will be announced at the September meeting.

Further information will be available from Herb Woods (herbwoods12@gmail.com, 905-394-1155). Entry Fee to be determined.

Jesse M. Abbott - University of Waterloo
2023-09-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Jesse M. Abbott Ph.D. Graduate Department of History University of Waterloo
Topic: Soldiers on the Niagara Frontier

Duncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Jesse Abbott whose topic was the life of soldiers on the Niagara Frontier in the war of 1812. Jesse’s presentation, which consisted of a portion of his thesis presented to the University of Waterloo for his Doctor of Philosophy in History, looked mainly at the role alcoholic consumption played in the conduct of soldiers.
Jesse’s research indicated that although heavy drinking was common in that period, the reputation of some groups, especially the Irish, meant that all soldiers were labelled the same. He said that drinking and bad behaviour was not as common as many officers indicated.
He pointed out that the class system was much in evidence in the army. Soldiers faced flogging as a form of discipline for various incidents of bad behaviour and were generally held in disrespect and often believed to have joined the army to escape accepted life responsibilities. On the other hand, officers were often allowed to bring their wives and children to the battle area.
But alcohol certainly was in common use. Soldiers were granted daily rum rations including sometimes prior to going into battle. Rum was also provided to help cope with the severe climate. Jesse said that if army rations ran out, soldiers were often able to obtain spirits from outside sources and regularly gambled for spirits.
He said that at the time, Britain recruited soldiers as young as 13 and their lack of experience
and the style of fighting — solid lines of men firing muskets — sometimes contributed to the lack of discipline.
Jesse concluded his presentation with a quote from Dylan Thomas who said, “an alcoholic is someone you don’t like who drinks as much as you do.”
Following a question-and-answer period, Duncan thanked Jesse and presented him with an LCBO gift certificate.

Shaw Festival Back Stage Tour
2023-08-23 11:00 - 12:00 | Ontario
PROBUS is attending the Shaw Festival Back Stage Tour on August 23 at 11:00 am.
It is a 1 hour-long guided tour of the Festival Theatre that reveals the secrets that bring the plays to the stage.
Cost is $15.00. Contact Herb Woods to book a ticket.

Brian Narhi - St. Catharines Historian
2023-08-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Brian Narhi – St. Catharines Historian
Topic: Hydraulic raceways played key role in St. Catharine’s growth
Duncan McLaren introduced guest speaker, local historian Brian Narhi whose presentation was entitled “Hydraulic Raceways and the St. Catharines Economy in the 19th Century.”
Brian, who obtained his first of several degrees from Brock University and has over 20 years experience as an historian and archival researcher, said that William Hamilton Merritt built an early mill on Twelve Mile Creek but experienced problems with low water levels and looked for a solution to provide a consistent source of water. A man by the name of Henry Mittelberger proposed the idea of a separate ditch feeding from Chippawa Creek.
But when the first Welland Canal, which followed the path of Twelve Mile Creek, was opened in 1830, there was no room for the original feeder ditch. Merritt combined with Oliver Phelps, chief builder of the canal, to create a new ditch, drawing water from the canal and emptying back into the canal, from near Lock 19 of the canal in Merritton to the Taylor and Bate Brewery, which was located just north of the present Burgoyne Bridge, below Yates Street.
Brian used Power Point to display old maps and diagrams showing the path the raceway took across the city. He explained that there was a three-tiered raceway and that it had a 56-foot drop from top to bottom.
Brian said that although the raceway suffered regular breakdowns it sparked tremendous economic growth for the city as more and more mills were built to take advantage of the waterpower.
Local businessman Thomas McIntyre was one of the early builders with his Norris Mills. Others included Canada Haircloth, McKinnon Industries and Wood Brothers Tannery. Brian pointed out that in 1827 there were just 384 people here and by 1834 the population had grown to about 700 and by the 1940’s to about 2,000. Canada Haircloth was the first to make use of the waterpower to generate electricity.
He pointed out that many of the buildings that face St. Paul Street and backed onto the old canal were built on stilts because the tiered raceways didn’t allow room to build right down to ground level.
Brian explained that the raceways were owned by the government which at one point granted leases for water rights to various businesses The city finally took possession of the raceways in 1935 and as electricity started to diminish the demand for waterpower much of the raceway was covered over and, in some cases, converted to sewer lines.
Much of the old canal and the raceway were filled in as children and adults frequently drowned in the open raceway.
After a question-and-answer session, Duncan thanked Brian for his fascinating look at part of our history and presented him with a gift certificate.

Ed Telenko - St. Catharines Academy of Fine Artists
2023-07-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Ed Telenko, Executive Director St. Catharines Academy of Fine Artists
Topic: Participation in art has therapeutic benefits
Duncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Ed Telenko, a new member of the PROBUS Club and a graduate of the Ontario School of Art and Design, whose topic was art for older adults stressing the therapeutic benefits of participating in art. Ed is the executive director and lead instructor at the St. Catharines Academy of Fine Artists.
Ed pointed out that art has helped shape thousands of years of culture around the world. He referred to the evolution of art over the years and said that in the 20th century all the rules gave way to a greater freedom of expression.
Ed explained that there is no need to feel intimidated by the idea of art. It is the act of doing art and not the final product that carries the benefits. He pointed out that anyone can begin with simple sketches in black and white and from there perhaps move on to using basic coloured pencils and progress to using simple water colours without every venturing into oil.
Ed offered a quote from Picasso who said, “Art washes the dust from the soul.” Dr. Ann McMillen, a physician, has done much for modern art stressing its therapeutic benefits and how it enhances cognitive impairment allowing people to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Ed said that children are attracted to pen and paper to create something which to their mind is artistic. He added that art connects kids to people and the world.
Working in art offers creative expression and can boost self esteem while enhancing cognitive abilities. Ed said that he has been influenced by Lawrence Katz whose book “Keep Your Brain Alive” stresses the need to use all five senses to keep your brain strong and healthy. He says that art stimulates brain and nerve connections and promotes the production of Dopamine, a motivational molecule that helps maintain brain plasticity.
Ed also mentioned another influencer for him and showed examples for the creative work of famous glass blower Dale Chihuly.
Ed said that his own artwork has progressed through various stages. He showed examples of the caricatures he has done of prominent St. Catharines people as well as more recent works of Lyrical Surrealism. He added that he has tried to disprove the idea that water colours are “wimpy” and can be vibrant.
Duncan thanked Ed for his interesting talk and presented him with a gift certificate in token of appreciation.

Hamilton Steam and Technology Museum
2023-07-06 10:00 - 12:00 | Hamilton Steam Museum
Join us for a private tour of the Museum with a special focus on the long history of the massive “walking beam engine” which in the 1800’s brought running water to a very disease ridden Hamilton. Local professional engineers restored the engines and they are a magnificent sight to see.
We will also visit the Golden Horseshoe Live Steamers’s miniature railway at the same location. The club has been in operation for 48 years now. It has over 3,000 feet of track and offers rides to kids and adults also.
Ticket Price is $7.50

Brenda McPhail, Ph.D. - currently on leave from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
2023-06-13 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Brenda McPhail, Ph.D. – currently on leave from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
Brenda is “Acting Executive Director of the Master Program in Public Policy in Digital Society”

Topic: “Nothing to Hide? Privacy protects more than just secrets in the big-data world”
People urged to take precautions to protect their privacy
Duncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Brenda McPhail, Ph.D, currently on leave from the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, who is acting executive director of the master program in public policy in Digital Society.
She advised that privacy is the right to be left alone. It is about its relevance, myths and protection. Privacy is the right of people to control, edit, manage and delete information about themselves and decide when, how and what information is shared. It is a dynamic process of control and negotiating boundaries and intersubjective relations and exists for the social good in an interconnected society.
She pointed out that some companies use algorithms to put people into classes to direct specific ads at them.
Brenda gave recent examples of privacy rights violations by corporate giants in Canada — Home Depot and Tim Hortons. Each was found guilty and disciplined for gathering el

ectronic customer information without proper permission beyond what was needed for a business transaction and then passing such information to other corporations to help them understand a person’s buying and location habits. In the case of Home Depot, the information was collected when customers chose to have receipts e-mailed to them. The data was then shared with Meta, the owners of Facebook.
Although not an official policy, Toronto police and other police services in Canada made use of facial recognition software through “Clearview AI” in criminal investigations. The facial images were collected without consent off various internet sites across Canada. The actions led to 84 investigations and a subsequent ruling that barred police from using such data.
Brenda said that more recent commercial propaganda touts the death of privacy due to social and other electronic media.
This is untrue, a myth. So too is “Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Fear”. One’s own knowledge is power; use it!

She cautioned people to not assume that they are safe from computer attacks. She urged people to keep their software up to date, beware of phishing, practice good password management and use anti-virus protection.
She said when browsing online, it’s OK to make stuff up when it is none of their business. She also recommended clicking “No” if you are asked to agree to cookies. For those with smart phones, she recommended turning off location tracking when you don’t need it.
Brenda urged people to watch for legal reforms such as Bill C-27 now working its way through Parliament which will impact regulations around privacy protection. She recommended the website www.ccla.org to find more information about your rights regarding privacy.
Duncan thanked Brenda for her presentation and presented her with a gift certificate in appreciation.
To view Brenda’s presentation video please click here.

Probus Management Barbeque
2023-06-01 17:00 - 19:00 | Dalhousie Yacht Club, 74 Lighthouse Rd, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
PROBUS Management Barbeque is back
Menu: Choice of hamburger or sausage on a bun + green mixed salads, green salad, potato salad, pasta salad + all the fixins’, dessert, coffee and tea.
Price: $28 per person including all taxes and gratuities. Prepay with cheque made out to PROBUS ST.CATHARINES
Cash Bar.
Invitees: Members, spouses and friends.
Sign Up: at the April and May meetings. Book your attendance with Tom van Loenen email or phone 905-937-0430
Please make cheques out to the Probus Club of St. Catharines.
Dine indoors (air conditioned) or outside on the patio.
Space is limited.. Don’t be disappointed.

Dr Riley Moynes - "The Four Phases of Retirement"
2023-05-09 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Dr Riley Moynes “The Four Phases of Retirement – and the Psychological Challenges”

How to get ‘Juice’ out of retirement
Duncan McLaren introduced guest speaker, Dr. Riley Moynes, author of the book “Four Phases of Retirement: How to Squeeze all the “Juice Out”.
Riley, a former educator and financial planner, is the author of several books on a variety of topics and is a current Toronto Probus Club member. He gave much thought to the process of retirement which led him to pen his book. This led him to an arduous audition with “Ted Talk” and an eventual YouTube presentation which garnered 3.5 million views.
Riley explained that you obviously must prepare financially for retirement but what is often over-looked is the need to prepare psychologically.
His research indicates that the last of the baby boomers will turn 65 in 2030. Over the next seven years in North America 10,000 people will retire every day and those people could spend one third of their lives in retirement. The fastest ageing group is the 85+ demographic.
Riley said that it is vitally important that retirees learn how to do meaningful and productive things by “squeezing the juice”. This needs a framework or phases.
Phase 1: Based on retirement at age 65. Usually, people will do as they please, vacation, travel, buy a boat and sail, fulfil a bucket list such as buying a vacation home, skydiving and other such things.
But then, boredom starts to set in and leads to a need to create structure to avoid being insignificant/irrelevant.
Phase 2. At about age 68, many of these people start to feel the loss of life structure, identity, relationships, purpose and power. Unchecked, these things can lead to anxiety, depression, decline in mental and physical health, and even divorce.
Divorce, he explained, has doubled in five years and tripled for those over 65. Riley said that this can be a difficult stage and retirees must be prepared for the challenges and “buckle-up”.
Phase 3: Leads people to ask themselves, how can I contribute to the better good? There is no question that there will be false starts, but determination will lead to finding a successful outlet for one’s talents and skills.
Phase 4: Many people break through and those who do, are the happiest when contributing. Those who struggle (50-60%) need to find ways to re-invent or rewire themselves; asking themselves: what is my mission/purpose in service to others?
How to get there:
#1. Find your unique ability…things one loves to do and really do it well and do well superbly. One needs to really think about that…What am I competent at? What do I do really well?
#2. List your five highest attributes.
#3. What are the common thread links over the past three years or so?
#4. What does the world need that I am good at? The sweet spot! Do I want to get paid for what I do or not? Extrinsic/Intrinsic needs.
Riley noted that a Harvard University study of over 15,000 people noted that many do nothing productive beyond self-pleasure and they are the unhappiest retirees.
In summary, Riley emphasized that retirement not only needs rest and adventure but also needs structure, identity, relationships, purpose, power, revival and being good at what we do.
Riley concluded by saying that you are not alone in this transition. You have a huge opportunity to combine your passions and your strengths to make the world a better place. He urged people don’t retire – rewire.
Many complements and questions were posed to Riley during a question-and-answer period. Duncan thanked him warmly for his presentation and offered a gift certificate in a token of appreciation.
Note: the original edition of Dr. Moynes’ book is out of print, but a revision is in progress and availability will be communicated to Duncan in due course.
To view a video of the presentation click here.

Carol Nagy - Hospice Niagara
2023-04-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Hospice Niagara: Carol Nagy Executive Director (pictured above)

TOPIC: Helping people live well. Hospice palliative care in your community
Hospice Niagara works hard to meet growing demands
John Senn introduced guest speaker, Carol Nagy, Executive Director for Hospice Niagara. Carol began her career as a front-line social worker in child welfare in Toronto. While at the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies, she helped to develop provincial training curriculums and programs in particular for Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario. She returned to Niagara in 2013 and now works with staff, more than 350 volunteers and a Board of Directors to help people and their families live well by providing exceptional and compassionate care to everyone, every where, every time.
Carol provided an excellent presentation about the present and future structure of Hospice Niagara and its role, both to the community in general and to end of life clients/families.
Such services are at zero cost. The costs are covered by active fundraising and certain government funding which Carol said has not increased.
Hospice offers walking therapy to help maintain mobility; a bereavement day camp for children and support programs for caregivers to help keep them strong and able to advocate.
Needs for these services are increasing by 45% per year with more than 50% of service needs coming from South Niagara.
There are about 250 intakes for services and about the same number leaving the service that strives to maintain an in-home environment.
Carol advised that in England, the entire cost of Hospice is covered under the NHS (National Health Service). Their system works within a ward style system as most patients prefer to be with other people.
Carol spoke about expansion plans for the south Niagara area meaning that, when completed in 2024, people in Niagara will be no more than 20 to 30 minutes from a hospice bed. She said that the Fort Erie hospice to be called Willson House will be located beside the new Gilmore Lodge long-term care home and Walker House in Welland will be located inside the renovated Foyer Richelieu, a bilingual long-term care home. Together they will add 20 hospice suites for people at end of life. Outreach services and bereavement care will also expand once these hospices open. Ground-breaking in Welland is scheduled for May 1.
The new facilities will feature larger rooms to accommodate mobility issues, newer equipment such as overhead lifts and spa-like washrooms plus guest and children’s quiet rooms. The additions hope to serve 900 clients per year.
The new facilities, along with the Stabler Centre in St. Catharines, provide supportive counselling for people and families, nutritious meals made by a hospice chef and wellness programs for people living at home with life-limiting illness.
Carol said that 350 volunteers give approximately 75,000 hours toward all aspects of the operation.
During an extensive question and answer period, Carol said that every week a waiting list of some 500 names is reviewed looking at family conditions, immediate needs and other factors to determine client priority.
She pointed out that volunteers are always needed. Volunteers are placed according to their personal experiences and strengths. The amount of training depends on the volunteer position whether it is in resident care or administration.
Carol, who was accompanied by Executive Assistant Pamela Mackie, provided a number of information pamphlets and encouraged people to check out www.hospiceniagara.ca for further information and to support their Close to Home fund-raising drive.
Hugh Gayler thanked Carol and presented a gift certificate in token of appreciation.

To view a video of the presentation click here.

St. Catharines Courthouse Tour
2023-03-28 09:00 - 12:00 | Ontario
PROBUS St. Catharines has planned a tour of the Robert S. K. Welch Courthouse in downtown St. Catharines for March 28 between 9 a.m. and 12 noon.

Courtroom #10 will be available for the PROBUS group. Lawyer Patrick Little will offer a presentation starting at 9:15 a.m. on the different courts, their roles and their location. Following this presentation, groups of about eight can attend proceedings in different courts or more than one if proceedings are short. Join us and see our legal system in action! No cost.

Marnie Donaldson - Sound Hearing Care Niagara
2023-03-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Marnie Donaldson – Sound Hearing Care Niagara
Hearing, Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

Speakers explain hearing loss and treatments
Andy Redman introduced guest speaker Marnie Donaldson, a hearing instrument specialist and her colleague, Jessica Cekan, an audiologist from Sound Hearing Care, Niagara. A graduate of Conestoga College, Jessica has worked in a clinical setting since 2006. She rotates among Sound Hearing Clinics in Niagara and in the Hamilton area where she lives.
Andy related his personal experience in seeking hearing help and his pleasure with the excellent outcome of the work by Marnie and her colleagues.
Marnie and Jessica began their presentation with a video that illustrated the reactions of infants with hearing impairment when they were first able to hear.
With a PowerPoint presentation, Marnie pointed out that, according to the World Health Organization, hearing loss is the fifth leading cause of disability, affecting 50% of the population worldwide and 11.5% in Canada. Currently 65% of adults over 65 have some hearing impairment.
She said common causes of hearing loss include such things as ear wax, foreign objects in the ear, perforations to the ear drum, aging, noise exposure, toxic medication, injuries, viruses, tumors and hereditary conditions.
Heart disease, hypertension, balance and diabetes are all symptoms related to untreated hearing loss. Also associated with hearing loss and balance issues can be a greater risk of falls, kidney disease, tinnitus, depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Jessica pointed out that tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ear, can only be felt by the sufferer and can’t be measured but it can be reduced through lowered stress and anxiety.
She advised that if a friend or family member is suspected of hearing loss, they should be offered support and encouraged to book a hearing test.

During an extensive question and answer session, it was pointed out that hearing aids only help to hear, they will not restore hearing. Upper frequency or high pitch sounds are the first sound levels to be adversely affected in hearing loss. Different speech styles and speeds can also affect hearing. The recommended method of clearing ear wax is the use of oil and water or seeking professional help but avoiding the use of any tools such as Q-tips. In reference to the opening video, it was pointed out that hearing screening is done now in hospitals for all babies with follow-up done as needed.
Duncan McLaren thanked Marnie and Jessica for their informative presentation and presented a gift certificate in token of appreciation.

Rachel Braithwaite - St. Catharines Downtown Association
2023-02-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Lions Hall, 732 Niagara Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2M 7W7, Canada
Rachel Braithwaite – St. Catharines Downtown Association
TOPIC: St. Catharines Downtown Association challenges and successes

Executive Director remains upbeat about the future of our downtown
Duncan McLaren introduced guest speaker Rachel Braithwaite, Executive Director of St. Catharines Downtown Association and the Business Improvement Association.
Rachel used a video and Power Point slides to illustrate her presentation about how her organizations work in partnership with the city. She pointed out that Business Improvement Associations (BIAs) evolved in the 1960s in Toronto with the move from downtown to shopping malls. Rachel said that the Bloor West Village developed the first BIA in Canada and indeed the world in 1970. The idea of BIAs spread rapidly as the need for overall co-operation was recognized. There are now 300 BIAs in Ontario and 500 in Canada.
Rachel said that there are four pillars upon which BIAs operate: 1. Public realm investing; 2. Area brand marketing; 3. Policy and partnerships; 4. Events. She added that the focus for the past three years has been advocacy due to the toll on businesses caused by the COVID 19 pandemic.
She said that downtowns have much to offer. They are iconic and provide powerful symbols for a city and often contain the most iconic landmarks.
She said that the public realm investing involves spending money on downtown beautification. In St. Catharines that involved an investment of $75,000 in 2022. She added that another $25,000 was ear-marked for publicity on social media. She argued that one of the problems behind the perceived lack of parking in the downtown was the lack of publicity about the two parking garages near both the Performing Arts Centre and the Meridian Centre.
Rachel said the focus for 2023 will be on Downtown Premium from early June until October 1. Special events have proven their worth in attracting people to the downtown. This year a Spring Festival is being planned for April 22 and a Summer Festival is slated for July 15. The festivals aim to spotlight businesses with collaboration and community support.
During an extensive question and answer period, Rachel said that the trial period of blocking off part of St. Paul Street was met with opposition from merchants because those on the south side of the street have no other access for deliveries. She pointed out that part of James Street was converted to a pedestrian-only area and the BIA will be pushing for more patio areas this summer.
She admitted that the boarding up of a number of stores on St. Paul Street detracts from the look of the street and said the BIA is working on making improvements in that area while also pushing for lower special event parking fees.
Duncan thanked Rachel for her presentation and suggested her talk invited not only questions but a number of opinions. He presented her with a gift certificate in appreciation.

Video of Rachel Braithwaite’s presentation click here.
