SilverJournal

the
Niagara Falls Edition - Issue 1 - April-May 2012
Commissos
Fresh Foods
Living healthy means eating healthy but the challenge can be nding the right
sources, for everything from fresh local and organic produce, to drug free-meats and
poultry to a full selection of vitamins.
The good news is, you dont have to look any farther than Commissos Fresh Foods
at 6161 Thorold Stone Rd. in Niagara Falls. Everything you need is right there.
With a Wellness Department that showcases
a full range of vitamins and supplements,
from sh oils to probiotics, regular, in-
store health-related seminars, a pro-
duce departments that features not
only locally grown and organic fruit
and vegetables but also live sun-
ower, wheatgrass, broccoli and
pea shoots, a butcher shop burst-
ing with organic meats and poultry,
fresh sh and seafood and much
more, Commissos Fresh Foods is Ni-
agaras favourite destination for the
health conscious.
And thats not all!
The stores pizza ovens and bakery
shelves produce delicious breads and other
treats, all made from scratch, without addi-
tives and preservatives, and shoppers can
choose from an excellent selection of
gluten-free products. Check out the
delicatessen, where youll nd low
sodium, low fat, gluten free and lo-
cally cured nitrite free prosciutto -
and be sure to drop by the in-store
kitchen, where Executive Chef
Anthony Greco and his cooking
colleagues prepare treats of all
kinds.
Give yourself a little extra time
when you come to do your shop-
ping and stop by for a cup of
tea or some fresh brewed cof-
fee youll nd that getting the
groceries is far more enjoyable
when youre feeling relaxed
and refreshed. Why not try a
smoothie made from freshly
cut and frozen fruit from the
produce department, with a choice of milk, almond milk, yogurt or juice? And pump
up the nutrients by adding top-quality, clean protein powders, matcha green tea,
greens+, or phytoberry antioxidant supplements. Looking for something a little more
substantial? Watch for an expanded hot menu in the bistro, coming soon for break-
fast, lunch and dinner!
Be sure to take advantage of Commissos Fresh Foods Tuesday delivery. Order your
groceries on-line and have them delivered to your home for just $10.00 extra based
on a minimum order of $25.00.
Give yourself a break from the kitchen and choose ready-to-go fully cooked meals.
What could be more convenient?
Come in and see for yourself, says
Rocky. Commissos Fresh Foods is
your answer to healthy eating and
healthy living!
Visit www.commissosfreshfoods.com
for more information, including an
event lineup of free health seminars.
6161 Thorold Stone Rd., Niagara Falls t 905-357-6600 t www.CommissosFreshFoods.com
Saturday & Sunday 8am-8pm - Monday to Prlday 7am-9pm
F i nd Us or
Follow us on...
Come in and see for yourself,
Rocky.
your answer to healthy eating and
healthy living!
Visit
Your Fresh Experience!
FRESH SAVI NGS CARD
FREE SIGN UP!
Instant Savings on Hundreds
of Items Each Time You Shop!
Your source for healthy
livi ng and great food!
The Silver Journal | 5
thesilverjournal.ca
905-933-5953
Publisher
The Silver Journal
Associate Publisher
Mary Susan Staton,
susan@thesilverjournal.ca
Editor in Chief
Christine Bavender,
christine@thesilverjournal.ca
Editor
Karen Moncur, karen@thesilverjournal.ca
Travel Editor
Liz Fleming liz@thesilverjournal.ca
Contributing Writers
Liz Fleming
Tim Miller
Beth Cockcroft
Cara Hamm
Karen Moncur
Photographers
Photos by Daniel Boot
Lindsey Altoft
Director of Sales
George Chow, george@thesilverjournal.ca
Director of Marketing
Rose Magro Grimsby Region
Graphics Co-ordinator
Justin Luey, justin@thesilverjournal.ca
Graphic Design
Christy Goines-Large
Brian Kountourogiannis
Web Design
Justin Luey, justin@thesilverjournal.ca
Advisory Panel
Arie Vrugteveen
Executive Director, Retire at Home
Jane Bradley B.A Psychology
Jonathon Dick, Lawyer & Notary Public
Ruth A. Rutherford-Pretty
Executive Director, Victim Services
Circulation
Niagara Falls Review
The Silver Journal is printed every other
month and is delivered as an insert in the
Niagara Falls Review. The information and
opinions contained in this publication are
obtained from various sources believed to be
reliable, but their accuracy cannot be
guaranteed. The Silver Journal and its
empl oyees and agent s assume no
responsibility for errors or omissions or
damages arising from the use of the published
information and opinions. Readers are
cautioned to consult their own professional
advisers to determine the applicability of
information in this publication. For further
information, please contact the publisher.
As we enter the month of May, it looks as though spring has really, finally
arrived. After a couple of false starts earlier in the year, designed to get our hopes up, only to
have them dashed, I think we can safely put this winter behind us.
Like most people, Ive always seen spring as a time of new beginnings, of rejuvenation, growth
and possibility. Its probably why Im excited to be introducing The Silver Journal to a new
audience, in Niagara Falls, where we will be publishing this edition for the first time.
Although we are a relatively young publication, we have done a great deal of work in order to
bring you the latest information on the topics and issues that are of interest to those aged 50 and
over. Things like nutrition, health, finances, travel, and fitness, as well as features on local
businesses offering tips that help you save money and spend wisely.
Id like to thank all of the contributors and advertisers who are a part of our first Niagara Falls
edition of The Silver Journal and especially George Chow, our senior salesman, who has
secured for you some of the best that the Niagara business community has to offer, who present
quality products and advice and who take a sincere interest in the clients they serve. I hope you
enjoy reading The Silver Journal as much as we have enjoyed putting it together and we
welcome feedback from readers as well as any story ideas or topics you would like to see covered.
Heres to Spring 2012 and to new beginnings!
Mary Susan Staton & Karen Moncur
Publishers Note
SilverJournal
the
6 Niagara Hearing & Speech Clinic Provides Full & Personalized Service for Hearing Difficulties
8 Commissos Fresh Foods Your Source for Healthy Living & Great Food
9 Memorial Service for Titanic, Staterooms Selling Fast....
10 When it Comes to Saving A Life, Every Second Counts
11 AMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration)
12 Quality and customer satisfaction priority #1 at Van Hoorns Custom Woodworking
13 Getting the Most out of Your Vehicle
14 Imperial Hardwood Flooring Offers Total Flooring Package for Homes
16 Understanding Proposed Changes to Canadas Old Age Security System
17 Maid of the Mist tours will carry on starting in April
18 When Do I Contact A Lawyer After A Slip And Fall Accident?
19 Brian Sinclairs Helpful Information When Buying A Home
Contents
Niagara Falls Edition - Issue 1 - April-May 2012
Personalized service and finding solutions is
of utmost importance at the Niagara Hearing and Speech Clinic.
Our main focus is to provide good service and know the
problems and needs of clients and work with those needs, said
Scott Jackson of the Clinic. We are here to help improve a
persons lifestyle.
Niagara Hearing and Speech Clinic offers a full range of dealing
with hearing issues, from clinical testing to choosing and
implementing the applicable device. While hearing loss can
affect anyone, Jackson added that age does play a part.
What we see is that hearing loss can be age-related, he said,
adding that hearing loss can be the result of wax buildup in the
ears, sensorineural hearing loss, or nerve deafness, which can
result from an infection, or tinnitus, which is a ringing or
buzzing in the ears.
Jackson, a hearing instrument specialist, took ownership of his
clinic in November of 2002 and has seen the technological
advances from analog to digital with regards to hearing assisted
devices.
When I first got into this business everything was mostly
analog, and that is all gone, he noted. Its advanced quite a
bit.
He went on to say all hearing testing, a process called
audiometry, tests a persons ability to hear various sound
frequencies, and is conducted by a qualified hearing care
professional. This process, which produces an audiogram, is
now computerized.
The wide range of aids designed to provide better hearing are
also established with digital technology, and these products
include waterproof items for use when swimming or in the
shower, remotes or special watches to monitor a hearing aid,
along with Bluetooth technology for television and telephone
systems.
All these items allow the user a return of their self-confidence;
remove the social isolation, increased frustration, and low self-
esteem that can take place when hearing loss occurs. About
three million Canadians, or 1 in 10, suffer from hearing loss.
The Clinic also provides full service for its clients in the cleaning
and checking of hearing aids.
At one time Jackson owned a hearing aid company which
manufactured the products, and he believes this has added an
important element to his clinic, which is situated at 282 Linwell
Road, Unit 112, in Saint Catharines.
I have been hands-on at the technical end, he said. I brought
that experience to the clinic setting and we can deal with those
problems on the spot.
Jackson also noted that Niagara Hearing and Speech Clinic is a
local, independent family business which can work at a personal
level with clients, a feature that is usually not available with the
large retail-chain type of facility.
We have on-going relationships with our clients in providing a
solution, said Jackson. We are patient and caring and will do
whatever it takes to help a client. I treat this as the golden rule,
and am compelled to treat others as I would like to be treated.
6 | The Silver Journal
We are here to help improve a
persons lifestyle
Niagara Hearing and Speech Clinic Provides Full and
Personalized Service for Hearing Difficulties Tim Miller
Linwell Medical Plaza | 282 Linwell Rd., St. Catharines | www.hearing-clinic.ca | 905.938.1661
Better Hearing is Within Your Reach!
At Niagara Hearing & Speech Clinic, our registered hearing care professionals
are committed to helping you with any hearing difculties you may be experiencing.
We offer a wide range of products and services:
comprehensive testing for children and adults
hearing aid sales and service
ear wax removal
hearing aid batteries and accessories
WSIB, DVA, ADP, CAW and Insurance Plan authorized
Contact us today to learn how we can help improve your quality of life!
We offer state-of-the-art hearing aid technology for:
clearer speech in background noise
sound as close to natural as possible
compatibility with unique devices for better
sound quality when using mobile phones or
listening to the television
Scott C. Jackson, H. I. S.
8 | The Silver Journal
Commissos Fresh Foods Your Source for Healthy Living and
Great Food Liz Fleming
Living healthy means eating healthy
but the challenge can be finding the right sources for
everything from fresh local and organic produce, to drug free-
meats and poultry to a full selection of vitamins.
The good news is you dont have to look any further than
Commissos Fresh Foods at 6161 Thorold Stone Rd. in Niagara
Falls. Everything you need is right there.
With a Wellness Department that showcases a full range of
vitamins and supplements, from fish oils to probiotics,
regular, in-store health-related seminars, a produce
department that features not only locally grown and organic
fruit and vegetables but also fresh cilantro, broccoli and pea
shoots; a butcher shop bursting with organic meats and
poultry, fresh fish and seafood and much more - Commissos
Fresh Foods is Niagaras favorite destination for the health
conscious.
And thats not all!
The stores bakery shelves are full of delicious breads and
other treats, all made from scratch, without additives and
preservatives, and shoppers can choose from an excellent
selection of gluten-free products. Dont forget to check out the
delicatessen where youll find low sodium, low fat, gluten-free
and locally cured nitrite free prosciutto. And be sure to drop
by the in-store kitchen, where Chef
Anthony Greco and his cooking
colleagues prepare treats of all kinds.
Give yourself a little extra time when you
come and stop by for a cup of tea or some
fresh brewed coffee youll find that
getting groceries is far more enjoyable
when youre feeling relaxed and
refreshed. Or try a smoothie made from
fruit from the produce department, with
a choice of milk, almond milk, yogurt or
juice. And pump up the nutrients by
adding top-quality, clean protein
powders, matcha green tea, greens+, or
phytoberry antioxidant supplements.
Looking for something a little more
substantial? Watch for an expanded hot
menu in the bistro coming soon for
breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Be sure to take advantage of Commissos Fresh Foods
Tuesday delivery. Order your groceries online and have them
delivered to your home for just $10 with a minimum order of
$25.
Give yourself a break from the kitchen and order ready-to-go
meals for the entire week. What could be more convenient?
Come in and see for yourself - Commissos Fresh Foods is
your answer to healthy eating and healthy living!
Visit www.commissosfreshfoods.com for more information,
including a lineup of free health seminars.
The Silver Journal | 9
Memorial Service for Titanic, Staterooms Selling Fast. Beth Cockcroft
Even after so many generations there is a need for closure.
One hundred years ago, the celebrated unsinkable ship Titanic
suffered her wretched demise and the sad story is never
forgotten.
On Sunday April 8, the Cruise ship Balmoral set sail from
Southampton, England on a memorial voyage replicating the
route of the Titanic. The Cruise recreated the crossing and
offered to passengers a taste and sample of what it would have
been like to have been aboard the grand vessel. Replicate
menus, costumes and the timing of it all comprised the itinerary
of the memorial voyage. The Ship carried 1309 souls, the same
number as were aboard Titanic. About 35 of the passengers
aboard Balmoral were relatives of Titanics passengers, both
those who survived and those who perished. The rest were
Titanic enthusiasts and historians.
Niagara Falls natives Jeff Wallis, and his brother Tim, were
among the passengers on the Balmoral, which sailed from the
dock amidst much fanfare and pageantry, as did Titanic a
hundred years ago. The brothers were decked in long coats and
top hats complete with walking sticks. My brother, Tim, who
organized the entire trek, was the one who brought the canes.
His had a gold topper and mine was silver, just a reminder of
who is running the show. he quipped. There is an ever present
affable rivalry between these very close brothers. Both have an
extraordinary sense of humour. Tim had packed several pounds
of Lifesaver candies which he handed out aboard the ship.
This is a very solemn occasion, but relief is needed to keep
moods in check, said Jeff. Ironically, many of the British
passengers had never heard of the candies, but laughed just the
same. The brothers wanted to memorialize their Great
Grandmother who perished in the tragedy. Catherine Jane
Wallis had been a crew member aboard the doomed vessel.
Catherine, a mother of four had been a widow eight short
months when she boarded for the maiden voyage. Hired as
nursing staff to attend to the third class passengers throughout
the voyage, she needed to support her children, whom she had
left in the care of an aunt in Southampton, her hometown.
On April 15th 2012 the Balmoral arrived at the gravesite of
Titanic: Position 4143'57"N, 4956'49"W in the north Atlantic.
The sea was calm and the chilly air nipped fingers and cheeks.
At 2:20 am, a solemn service was held in memoriam for those
who had perished. The mood was an odd mix of sadness and
celebration of life. What happened cannot be changed, but we
must go on and learn from our human arrogance.
Eyewitness accounts of the fateful night (put forth from the
inquest which followed) claim that Catherine made it to the
lifeboats, but returned for her papers and was never seen again.
With no solid facts to go on, the family had assumed Catherine
was buried in grave number 281 in Halifax. They had always
wondered but never knew for sure. One of Catherines nieces,
Joan Allison, had devoted a decade of her life to promote the
use of DNA testing for identification of the victims buried in
Halifax.
Sadly, Joan passed away on April 15, 2006, 94 years to the day
the Titanic sank and did not live to see her mission
accomplished. The end results however, did not place Catherine
in the Halifax Grave. The family now knows she rests at the
bottom of the sea with so many others from that fateful night.
In an act of respect for human life, Jeff and Tim had a small
silver cross created with Catherines name engraved on one side
and her niece Joans on the other. With a moment of silence and
a prayer for peace and closure, the brothers paid their respects
as the cross was swept into a wave.
It (the wave) swept it away like a hand reaching for a rightful
object, said Jeff. Family history, no matter how heartrending,
needs to be acknowledged. We both felt we had done the right
thing for our Great Grandmother and could finally know she
was resting in peace.
The sea has a mind and power of its own, not to be disrespected.
10 | The Silver Journal
When it Comes to Saving A Life, Every Second Counts
When someone has collapsed it is instinctive to call for
medical help, but do you know what to do between the 911 call
and when Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives

Is it a stroke?
Is it a convulsion?
If your child takes a bad fall off their bike, is their leg broken?
What do you do?
Someone is stung by a bee and has a bad reaction; do you know
what to do?

By taking an Emergency First Aid course in as little as 6.5
hours, you can have a sound knowledge of what to do when a
life-threatening illness or injury occurs.
You will learn how to handle:
Cardiovascular Emergencies and CPR (Adult)
Emergency Scene Management
Shock, Unconsciousness and Fainting
Choking
Severe bleeding
The Standard First Aid Course, a minimum of 13 hours of
instruction, you will also gain additional instruction in:
Medical conditions (Diabetes, convulsions, asthma, allergies)
Infant and Child Resuscitation
Bone and joint injuries
Head, spinal and pelvic injuries
Chest and eye injuries
Wound Care
Burns, Bites and Stings
Artificial Respiration
And many more!
Knowing what to do and having the practical skills needed can
reduce further injury and promote recovery. Dont delay! Be
prepared with Life Savings Skills by taking a St John
Ambulance First Aid Course. Thats why we say: You can save
the life of someone you love.
St. John Ambulance
Niagara Falls Branch
St John Ambulance First Aid Training
will make it possible!
Call 905-356-7340
Niagara.Falls@on.sja.ca
www.sja.ca

YOU CAN SAVE A LIFE!
St. John Ambulance Wants You to be
Prepared to Save Someones Life
The Silver Journal | 11
AMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration) Cara Hamm OD, FAAO
Age related macular degeneration (AMD)
is the leading cause of blindness among individuals over 65
years of age. The macula is needed for viewing detailed objects
clearly and is necessary for many daily tasks including reading
and driving. The main causes of macular degeneration are
thought to be related to a person's age, family history, and race.
Other contributing factors include smoking, exposure to
sunlight, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and low
antioxidants. The average age of onset is 75 years old, although
after the age of 50 the frequency steadily increases. Caucasian
blue-eyed individuals are most affected.
The macula is located in the back of the
eye near the center of the retina. This
part of the retina is very small, but it is
one of the most important areas to see
fine detail work like threading a needle
and reading the road signs.
There are two types of AMD: non-
neovascular (dry) and neovascular
(wet). Even though dry macular degeneration makes up
approximately 80% of all diagnosed cases, wet macular
degeneration is responsible for nearly 80% of the significant
visual disability associated with this disease.
Wet AMD occurs when new blood vessels grow underneath the
macula and begin to leak. This condition can occur very quickly
and changes in vision should be investigated promptly. The dry
form of macular degeneration generally occurs at a slower pace,
and may start with yellow deposits within the macula called
drusen. It is possible for one to have the dry form of the disease
that becomes the wet form if new blood vessels begin to grow
within the area.
Early forms of dry and wet macular degeneration may have few
symptoms. In certain cases, straight objects may appear wavy
or a spot in the central vision is missing.
Eye specialists often give patients a take home grid test to help
people with dry macular degeneration monitor their vision. This
grid by no means takes the place of a dilated eye exam, but
helps the patient to monitor their vision between doctor visits.
To test ones vision with an Amsler grid, the patient is to look at
the grid to the left of the photo below with their reading
spectacles on. Focus on the center dot, and without moving your
eye check to make sure there are no missing or wavy lines. An
example is shown to the right of what a person with wet
macular degeneration might see. Repeat the test with the other
eye.
There is currently no treatment for dry macular degeneration.
There are nutritional supplements enriched with zinc, beta
carotene, high dose antioxidants, and lutein that may slow the
progression of dry macular degeneration.
Treatment of wet macular degeneration has progressed greatly
over the last decade. The treatment of choice among retinal
specialists is a class of injectible drugs called angiogenesis
inhibitors. They work by slowing or stopping the abnormal
blood vessel growth and leakage of fluid that causes vision loss.
These drugs do not cure AMD or restore vision back to normal
but may slow the course of the disease.
Low vision aids are available to individuals who experience
untreatable vision loss that affects his or her ability to perform
activities of daily living. Bright lighting, hand-held magnifiers,
electronic books, and closed-circuit televisions are among many
devices used today.
If you think that you may have macular degeneration please
contact your eye care provider promptly.
Quality and customer satisfaction priority #1 at Van Hoorns Custom
Woodworking Tim Miller
For more than 20 years, Van Hoorns Custom
Woodworking has been providing custom kitchens and related
renovations with an overall goal of ensuring clients meet their
goals. A commitment to quality and total customer satisfaction
is the mandate for this company.
The kitchen is the hub of the house now, explained Steve Van
Hoorn. We help people maximize their living space and
improve their lifestyle. We deal with the client on a one-to-one
basis and provide mid to high-end cabinetry with a focus on
quality.
All projects start with an idea, which are then translated into a
viable product that is produced entirely within Van Hoorns
shop. While kitchens are the main focus of the business, Van
Hoorns also builds and installs entertainment centers, vanities,
and custom furniture.
We build unique and one of a kind furniture, anything out of
wood, said Van Hoorn. We cater to the clients needs.

The business has been built through the years with this focus to
quality and customer care, and Van Hoorn said that although he
has seen materials and designs change over the years, one of the
biggest factors has been the establishment of the kitchen as the
main room in the house. And what was in style 20 years ago in
wood, flooring, and countertops has changed significantly.

Its not just a kitchen any more, he said. Its now a major part
of the house, and a place to spend time in.

A great deal of the business is in the area of retrofitting the
kitchen area, from total tear-downs and room adjustments to
new cabinetry. Many of the clients who are in the baby boomer
group, are retrofitting their kitchens with quality, tailor-made
applications and are more aware of the changes these
modifications make to their lifestyles. Those changes include the
use of computer software. [Cont on page 18]
327 Read Rd.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
L0S 1J0
Garys
Maintenance
Phone: 905-934-0444 Fax: 905-934-8690
garysmaintenance.com
Emissions Testing & Repairs
Full or Partial Restorations &
Repairs to Classics, Antiques
& Trucks
The Silver Journal | 13
Getting the Most out of Your Vehicle Gary Archer
At Gary's Maintenance
we are dedicated to keeping your car on the road for the longest
period of time at the lowest possible operating cost. This is
achieved by preventative maintenance. Every system in your
vehicle has recommended service intervals and by adhering to
these factory recommendations, you can achieve the longest
possible lifespan with the least amount of cost.
Cars today are very technologically
advanced from even 10 years ago. All
service intervals are listed in your
owners manual. Have you ever read it?
If you're like most people, you probably
havent. You depend on your service
provider to make recommendations and
unfortunately in todays fast paced
environment, we sometimes overlook the routine procedures
because we are dealing with an emergency/breakdown.
Probably the most important thing I insist on is regular oil
changes. We expect to see the average customer 3 to 4 times a
year based on their driving habits. You are probably aware of
the old rule of thumb that says to change oil and filter at 3000
miles or 5000 kilometers or every 3 months, whichever comes
first. Some manufacturers have extended that to 8000 kms or
more under the "right conditions".
If you look at your owners manual you will see 2 different
service schedules. One for light duty and the other for severe
duty service. What most people do not understand is that severe
duty includes stop and go city driving, short trips, towing or
hauling, hot, cold and dusty conditions. Just the type of use
most people subject their cars to! Even if you only travel 5000
kms a year I recommend 2 oil changes
a year. Why? In 2 words; oil sludge. This turns your oil into a
thick jelly like consistency that blocks oil passages and prevents
the oil from lubricating vital engine components.
Sludge is caused by several factors, the main culprit being time.
Oil is contaminated by exhaust gasses and water that is created
by condensation inside your engine. This problem is aggravated
by the short trips and errands we run. Even a few minutes of
highway driving allows the oil to heat up enough to boil away
many of these contaminants. After as little as 2 visits to our
facility, we can start to develop a service schedule tailored to
your individual driving habits. At each visit, we can then
provide a list of maintenance items
that should have been performed or still need to be done on
your vehicle, based on its age and current mileage.
Please call (905) 934-0444 and let us discuss a personalized
service plan for your vehicle.
As a family-operated business,
Imperial Hardwood Flooring (IHF) prides itself in providing a
homeowners wood flooring needs, and supplies all the
necessary steps from initial ideas and designs to a finished floor.
We provide a personalized
service, said Marlene
Heinrichs, who along with
husband Jurgen, operates
IHF. Depending on a clients
lifestyle, we suggest the
appropriate flooring type with
samples, whether its
hardwood, laminate, or cork.
Started in 1995, IHF
originally made its own
flooring on-site, but now works with several wood suppliers in
providing a wide range of woods from around the world.
Heinrichs noted that domestic woods such as oak, maple, and
birch are popular, as well as exotics such as Brazilian cherry and
mahogany. She added that todays trends include flooring that is
hand-scraped with man-made imperfections, and a wider five-
inch plank that has become popular over the traditional three-
inch plank.

IHF, situated at 580 Read Road in St. Catharines, has a large
showroom for any taste and desire in flooring, and all work is
done by IHF employees.

We have our own installers, Heinrichs said. We dont
subcontract, which allows us to work through the entire
process.

The company provides specialized services for seniors, ripping
out old carpet and flooring along with their disposal, and
reinstalling furniture and appliances when the flooring is laid.
The company works on custom applications as well, such as
stair treads and threshold pieces.

Showroom hours at Imperial Hardwood Flooring are Monday to
Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
14 | The Silver Journal
Imperial Hardwood Flooring Offers Total Flooring Package for Homes
Whether its Oak, Maple or Mahogany, IHF Will Provide Quality and Expertise Tim Miller
24/7 Crisis Assistance
905.682.2626
15 Years of Service
in Niagara
www.victimservicesniagara.on.ca
Let us help you brighten up your home this year!
IHF
Sales & Installations
Imperial Hardwood Flooring
Visit us at 580 Read Rd,
St.Catharines, ON
or call 905-937-2189 Today!
Email: ihf@vaxxine.com
FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS
FREE ESTIMATES WITH
NO OBLIGATION
Showroom Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:30 to 5:00
Saturday: 9:30 to 1:00
Need New Floors?
From hardwood, laminate or cork flooring, youll be sure to find something to suit
your style and budget. We provide you with the best quality customer service
from start to finish.
What about those large and heavy pieces of furniture? No worries!
We will move them out of the way and put them back when
we are done. FREE of charge!
Lets face it, Canada is getting older. Right now,
the number of Canadians aged 65 and over will rise sharply over
the next two decades due to the aging of the baby boomers and
longer life expectancy. By 2030, seniors will represent close to
25 percent of our population, compared with about 14 percent
in 2010. In that same time period, the working-age population
will barely grow at all. This will create increased demands for
programs and services for seniors, supported by a working-age
population that will remain relatively flat.
The OAS program, in its current form, is unsustainable. OAS
annual expenditures are projected to increase from
approximately $38 billion in 2011 to $108 billion by 2030.
Today, 13 cents of every federal tax dollar is spent on OAS
benefits. If no changes are made, by 2030-31, this spending is
projected to increase to 21 cents of every federal tax dollar.
Action is required now to ensure that the OAS program remains
strong for future generations and those who need it most.
In last months federal budget, the government introduced
planned changes to the retirement income system. It says this
is to ensure that future generations have a solid OAS program
that is sustainable for the long-term. Seniors who are current
OAS and GIS beneficiaries will not lose a cent, and will not be
affected. The government plans to gradually raise the age of
eligibility for OAS by two years, beginning on April 1, 2023. The
advance notification and phase-in period will give Canadians
time to plan and prepare for their retirement and minimize the
impact on vulnerable groups. People aged 54 or older on March
31, 2012 (born on or before March 31, 1958) will still be eligible
for their OAS pension or GIS at the age of 65. Additionally,
starting in January 2013, the government will start to
proactively enroll many seniors for OAS and GIS. This measure
will reduce the burden on seniors of completing application
processes and will reduce the Governments administrative
costs. Starting in July 2013, a new voluntary deferral of the OAS
pension will allow people to delay receiving their OAS pension
by up to five years in exchange for an enhanced monthly
pension.
The government will amend some federal income support
programs that currently end at age 65 to protect recipients
coverage further to the proposed change to the OAS eligibility
age. This includes disability benefits for injured and ill veterans
and for low-income First Nations seniors on reserve. The CPP
and the OAS are two separate programs: the CPP will not be
changed as it is financially sustainable.
This proposed legislative change to the age of OAS/GIS
eligibility will not affect anyone who is 54 years of age or older
as of March 31, 2012. Thus, individuals who were born on
March 31, 1958 or earlier will not be affected. Those who were
born on or after February 1, 1962 will have an age of eligibility
of 67.

Those who were born between April 1, 1958 and January 31,
1962 will have an age of eligibility between 65 and 67. For
example, as shown in Table 4.2, someone born in April 1960
will be eligible for OAS/GIS at age 66 and one month.
Table 4.2 OAS/GIS Age of Eligibility by Date of Birth Table 4.2 OAS/GIS Age of Eligibility by Date of Birth Table 4.2 OAS/GIS Age of Eligibility by Date of Birth Table 4.2 OAS/GIS Age of Eligibility by Date of Birth Table 4.2 OAS/GIS Age of Eligibility by Date of Birth Table 4.2 OAS/GIS Age of Eligibility by Date of Birth
1958 1959 1960 1961 1962
Month of Birth
OAS/GIS Eligibility Age OAS/GIS Eligibility Age OAS/GIS Eligibility Age OAS/GIS Eligibility Age OAS/GIS Eligibility Age
Jan. 65 65 + 5 mo 65 + 11 mo 66 + 5 mo 66 + 11 mo
Feb. Mar. 65 65 + 6 mo 66 66 + 6 mo 67
Apr. May 65 + 1 mo 65 + 7 mo 66 + 1 mo 66 + 7 mo 67
June July 65 + 2 mo 65 + 8 mo 66 + 2 mo 66 + 8 mo 67
Aug. Sept. 65 + 3 mo 65 + 9 mo 66 + 3 mo 66 + 9 mo 67
Oct. Nov. 65 + 4 mo 65 + 10 mo 66 + 4 mo 66 + 10 mo 67
Dec. 65 + 5 mo 65 + 11 mo 66 + 5 mo 66 + 11 mo 67
Note: mo = months. Note: mo = months. Note: mo = months. Note: mo = months. Note: mo = months. Note: mo = months.
For more information on the proposed changes to Canadas Old Age Security System, please go to http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/isp/oas/changes/faq.shtml or go to your
nearest Service Canada Centre.
16 | The Silver Journal
Understanding Proposed Changes to Canadas Old Age
Security System Karen Moncur
The Silver Journal | 17
Maid of the Mist tours will carry on starting in April Tim Miller
Starting in 2014, one of the Niagara areas most
coveted tourist attractions will have a new owner on the Ontario
side.
The iconic Maid of the Mist tours that have thrilled millions of
visitors since 1846 will be owned and operated by Hornblower
Cruises and Events Canada on the Canadian side of the Niagara
River after this California-based tour company was deemed the
successful bidder recently.
Operated by the Glynn family of Lewiston New York since 1971,
the leases for this tourist attraction in both Ontario and New
York have been awarded to Glynn, including a 25-year term in
2008 by the Niagara Parks Commission. But this untendered
bidding on the Canadian side came to a halt recently when the
Ontario Minister of Tourism overruled the NPC commissioners
and ordered the NPC to put the tours to tender. Hornblower
won out over five others as the accepted bidder by the NPC.
There has been no such tendering in New York, so the US side of
the operation remains the same, although there are no storage
or dockage facilities on the US side, as all operations have been
handled from the Ontario side. Which could prove troublesome
when Hornblower takes over.
U.S. interests are hoping the new Canadian side owner will
sublet land to Glynn for docking his boats on the Canadian side.
The length of the U.S. lease, signed in 2002, is 40 years. New
York government officials are also expressing an interest in a
bidding process for the tours similar to the process of the NPC
and the Ontario government.
There has been concern that the present operators would shut
down the tours this year, but it was recently announced Maid of
the Mist tours will take place on both sides of the border
starting in April on a month-to-month basis.
The first Maid of the Mist started as a ferry service across the
Niagara river in 1846 when the owners found it more profitable
to use the boat as a tourist attraction. Steam-powered boats
were used until 1955 when a 66-foot, twin diesel-engine Maid
was employed. By 1972 Maid of the Mist III could carry 210
passengers, and this capacity increased to 600 passengers with
the 1997 launching of the Maid of the Mist VII.
Some of the personalities taking the tour including US
Presidents Theodore Roosevelt (1901) and Jimmy Carter (1996),
movie star Marilyn Monroe (1952), Cana- dian Prime Minister
Pierre Trudeau (1983) and the Duke and Duchess of York
(1987).
When it becomes effective, the lease with Hornblower Canada is
expected to gener- ate more than $500 million in revenue for
the NPC over the 30-year span of the contract, representing an
increase of more than $300 million in revenue compared to
previous agreements. This includes guaranteed minimum
revenue of $67 million in the first five years.
Hornblower, which was awarded this 30-year lease by the NPC,
has promised new boats and facilities when it takes over in
2014. It presently operates tourist boat rides for Alcatraz Island
in California, and the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island in New
York City.
18 | The Silver Journal
6617 Drummond Rd. Niagara Falls
905-354-4414
Margaret A Hoy
Your Estates, Personal Injury, Civic & Criminal
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[Continued from page 12] After determining the basic premise of a
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1. You slip and fall on someone
elses property or on public
property due to a faulty,
hazardous or dangerous
condition.

2. Examples of hazardous or
dangerous conditions could be
due to a weather related
condition such as ice, snow or
rain, or weak construction or
inadequate lighting or structural changes at the establishment
or residence.

3. Your injury has caused you to miss work, caused you pain or
suffering, and/or you require medical attention and/or out of
pocket expenses.

4. Understand that there are limitation periods, contact your
lawyer as soon as possible who can provide you with
knowledgeable information.
Over 40 Years of Expertise, Integrity & Skill
905-356-7755
Two Niagara Falls Locations To Server You Better - 6617 Drummond Rd. & 5627 Main St.
Email: brian@briansinclair.com
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Real Estate
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Brian Sinclairs Helpful Information When Buying A Home
1. After signing the OFFER OF PURCHASE AND SALE, the Offer
is usually faxed to your Lawyer by your Real Estate Agent. Your
lawyer will then begin the process of closing your deal usually
starting with the gathering of the clients name, address, telephone
number and date of birth.

2. Your lawyer will also want to know how you want to take title to
your new home. This translates to mean what names would you like
on your deed, such as yours alone or yours and your spouses name.
The lawyer will also ask you if you want the title to be joint tenants
or tenants in common. The definition of JOINT TENANTS means
that once one of the owners die, the surviving owner automatically
inherits and is sole owner of the property. This is the most common
way a husband and wife hold title to a primary residence. The other
manner to take title is TENANTS IN COMMON. This means that
when one owner dies, the deceased owners interest passes to a
beneficiary, in accordance with his/her Last Will and Testament.

3. Fire Insurance must be obtained prior to the closing date. Proof
of fire insurance must be provided to the Sellers lawyer and should
cover the replacement costs of your new home and the contents as
well.

4. The law office will arrange an appointment for you to attend at
his office 1-2 days prior to the closing date to sign all the necessary
documents. When the law office contacts you to arrange for an
appointment the Legal Clerk will most likely advise you as to how
much money you will need to bring with you. These monies are
usually the difference between the mortgage funds and the funds you
will use as a down payment, lawyers fees, disbursements, HST and
any adjustments on the Statement of Adjustments. These funds must
be by certified cheque or bank draft. Your lawyer will review all the
accounting, statement of adjustments and any other questions or
concerns you may have at the appointment.
5. Statement of Adjustments are prepared by the Sellers lawyer
and will include items such as property taxes that the seller has
already paid for. An adjustment at closing is made to credit the seller.

6. Moving times and release of your new keys can only take place
after the mortgage lender receives executed closing documents and
provides the closing funds to your lawyer who will then have to
deposit the monies into his trust bank account. After your lawyer
and the sellers lawyer exchanged all the necessary documents and
have also satisfied themselves that all is in order, the lawyers will
exchange keys and closing funds. This means your lawyer will
prepare cheques from the monies held on your behalf, certify the
cheques and provide them to the Sellers lawyer who will then hand
over the keys to your new home. One more step has to be completed
and that is to register the appropriate documents electronically.

7. Your lawyer will most likely recommend a TITLE INSURANCE
POLICY which protects a Purchaser from title defects, frauds, liens,
and survey problems. The policy will be in effect from the time you
purchase until the day you no longer have ownership of your
residence. You will receive, after closing, the policy which you
should keep in a safe place should the need for same arise in the
future.
52 THE SILVER JOURNAL