Proclamations

March 2023

WHEREAS Amyloidosis is a group of rare diseases that occur when an abnormal protein, amyloid, accumulates in the body’s tissues and organs and, if left untreated, can result in organ failure and can be fatal;

AND WHEREAS Amyloidosis most often affects people in middle age, younger people have also been diagnosed with this disease;

AND WHEREAS Amyloidosis can be challenging to diagnose as its signs and symptoms can mimic those of more common medical conditions, including shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue, swelling in the ankles and legs, numbness in the hands and feet, foamy urine, carpal tunnel syndrome, bruising around the eyes and an enlarged tongue;

AND WHEREAS a timely and correct diagnosis can lead to better outcomes for patients and their families;

AND WHEREAS raising awareness about all amyloidosis diseases, including hereditary and non-hereditary forms, helps to educate the public and is key to building healthier Canadian communities;

AND WHEREAS the Canadian Amyloidosis Support Network, Inc. is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization formed by amyloidosis patients and their family members, to raise awareness, fund research and support those living with amyloidosis and their loved ones;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims the month of March 2023 as Amyloidosis Awareness Month in the Town of Pelham.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation. 

Learn more about Amyloidosis Awareness Month

Brain Tumour Awareness Month

May 2023

WHEREAS the causes of and cure for brain tumours are unknown and early detection and treatment is vital to prolonged and improved survival;

WHEREAS brain tumours strike people of all ages from newborns to seniors, crossing all economic, social and ethnic boundaries;

WHEREAS brain tumours are the most common cause of solid cancer death in children and young adults;

WHEREAS the Brain Tumour Registry of Canada is needed to know the number of Canadian children and adults diagnosed every day;

WHEREAS the mission of Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada is to reach every Canadian affected by a brain tumour through support, education, information and research;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Town of Pelham does hereby proclaim May 2023 as Brain Tumour Awareness Month.

Click here to view PDF Version of the signed Proclamation.

Learn more about Brain Tumour Awareness

May 11, 2023

WHEREAS hepatitis B and C are among Canada’s most burdensome infectious diseases – measured in liver damage, cancer, lives lost, and significant costs to our public healthcare system;

AND WHEREAS more than 204,000 people in Canada are living with hepatitis C, and more than 250,000 are living with hepatitis B;

AND WHEREAS hepatitis C is curable, and hepatitis B is vaccine-preventable and treatable;

AND WHEREAS Canada has committed to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030;

AND WHEREAS Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day provides an opportunity to highlight the need for policies that support easy access to testing, treatment, and care for those affected, paving the way toward elimination;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Town of Pelham does hereby proclaim May 11, 2023, as Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation. 

January 2023

WHEREAS, Crime Stoppers month promotes awareness through education campaigns, activities and events held across the Niagara Region and it also offers the community the opportunity to partner in solving crime in our area; and

WHEREAS, Crime Stoppers encourages everyone to See Something, Hear Something, Say Something to assist law enforcement; and

WHEREAS, Increased awareness and understanding of the Crime Stoppers program will promote the use of the 24-hour reporting services to reduce and solve crime; and 

WHEREAS, Crime Stoppers of Niagara actively works with members of the community, the media and the police as a community safety service partner; and 

WHEREAS, Crime Stoppers of Niagara has implemented an elder abuse program under provincial and federal grants to move forward in creating safer communities for our older adults; and 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Town of Pelham does hereby proclaim the month of January 2023 as Crime Stoppers Month.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation. 

Learn more about Crime Stoppers Month

WHEREAS it is estimated that more than 400 people in Niagara are living with HIV.

WHEREAS HIV related stigma and discrimination can prevent people from getting the treatment and care needed to strengthen their health and well-being.

WHEREAS myths and misinformation about HIV related issues limits people’s capacity to make healthier choices which contributes to the spread of HIV infections.

WHEREAS HIV affects our friends, family and coworkers.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims the following in the Town of Pelham: 

1)   the week of November 25 to December 1, 2023 as HIV/AIDS Awareness Week;
2)   December 1, 2023 as World AIDS Day; and
3)   the week of December 1 to December 8, 2023 as Indigenous HIV/AIDS Awareness Week.

Click here to view the PDF version of the signed proclamation.
Learn more about HIV/AIDS Awareness

June 19, 2022 

WHEREAS Operation Smile Canada is a global medical charity providing free, life-changing surgeries and medical care to children born with cleft conditions around the world; and 

WHEREAS Every three minutes, a child is born with a cleft condition, and lack of access to safe, effective surgery means that easily treatable conditions like cleft lip and cleft palate can become fatal. Operation Smile Canada believes every child born with a cleft condition deserves exceptional surgical care; and 

WHEREAS The Longest Day of SMILES® will unite Canadians from coast to coast as they raise awareness and funds to support this important cause; and 

WHEREAS On June 19th, 2022, the community of Pelham is encouraged to celebrate the Longest day of SMILES® by sharing #longestdayofsmiles on social media; 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims June 19, 2022 as the Longest Day of SMILES® in the Town of Pelham. 

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation. 

Learn more about the Longest Day of SMILES®  

May 2023

WHEREAS it is imperative that communities across Canada be reminded of the importance of sun safety;

AND WHEREAS over-exposure to UV radiation is one of the major causes of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers;

AND WHEREAS skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. 1 in 6 Canadian born in the 1990s will get skin cancer in their lifetimes;

AND WHEREAS many people seek sun without taking the advisable precautionary measures and ae unaware that any darkening of skin color, including a tan, is indicative of UV damage;

AND WHEREAS skin self-examinations should be performed on a monthly basis because skin cancers are highly treatable when detected early; 

AND WHEREAS Save Your Skin Foundation is dedicated to the fight against non-melanoma skin cancers, melanoma and ocular melanoma through nationwide education, advocacy, and awareness initiatives;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Town of Pelham does hereby proclaim May 2023 as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

Click here to view a PDF version of the 2023 signed proclamation. 

Click here to view a PDF version of the 2022 signed proclamation. 

Learn more about Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month

June 10, 2023

WHEREAS Family and Children’s Services (FACS) Niagara has been dedicated to protecting and supporting children and improving the lives of vulnerable children youth, and families across the Niagara Peninsula since 1898;

AND WHEREAS Mountainview Homes and other generous sponsors are supporting FACS Niagara Foundation in these efforts by encouraging children and families to give back to their community by registering online and setting up lemonade stands across the Town of Pelham and the Niagara Peninsula on Saturday, June 10^th, 2023;

AND WHEREAS Mountainview Homes and other great community sponsors have generously provided 100 LemonAID Day Kits, so every family and child have the resources needed to successfully participate, and so that ALL the funds raised by children go directly to sending vulnerable children supported by FACS Niagara to summer camps;

AND WHEREAS by instilling the values of community, generosity and goodwill in the next generation, Mountainview Homes and other generous sponsors are helping build a brighter future for Niagara;

AND WHEREAS the Town of Pelham commends the hundreds of young children for their philanthropy and hard work, generosity, goodwill, and for making our community a much better place to live;

AND WHEREAS by participating, citizens can help send 450 children from Niagara Peninsula to experience summer camp in 2023;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims Saturday, June 10, 2023 as Mountainview LemonAID Day in the Town of Pelham;

AND THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby encourages children of the Town of Pelham to participate in the annual Mountainview LemonAID Day;

AND THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham encourages all citizens of the Town of Pelham to support these children in their efforts by generously donating in person or online to the Mountainview LemonAID Day stands.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation

Learn more about Mountainview LemonAID Day

April 28, 2022 

WHEREAS the National Day of Mourning has been recognized since April 28, 1991; and 

WHEREAS on April 28, workers, families, employers and others come together at events held around the province to remember those who have lost their lives on the job, and to renew our commitment to creating safer workplaces; and 

WHEREAS, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, in 2019 there were 925 workplace fatalities recorded, of which 882 were male workers and 43 were female workers. Among those deaths were 29 workers aged 15-24; and 

WHEREAS the National Day of Mourning has since spread to about 100 countries around the world; 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims April 28, 2022 as National Day of Mourning in the Town of Pelham. 

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation. 

Learn more about the National Day of Mourning

National Forest Week

September 18-24, 2022

WHEREAS the Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada has been providing national leadership in forestry and forest stewardship, while promoting competency among forest practitioners and fostering public awareness and education of Canadian and international forest and forestry issues since 1908;

AND WHEREAS National Forest Week began in 1920 as Forest Fire Prevention Week;

AND WHEREAS the theme of the 2022 campaign “Canada’s Forests: Solutions for a Changing Climate,” focuses on the importance of sustainable forest practices, research, conservation, engineered wood products and innovative technologies to provide solutions from Canadian forests;

AND WHEREAS, through this campaign the Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada challenges Canadians to learn more about the forest sector and its significance to Canada’s culture, history and future, while supporting a greater recognition of forests as valuable, renewable and green resources;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims the week of September 18-24, 2022 as National Forest Week in the Town of Pelham.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation. 

Learn more about National Forest Week 

Rett Syndrome Awareness Month

October 2023

WHEREAS Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls and leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of the individual's life. Rett syndrome occurs worldwide in 1 of every 10,000 female births and is even rarer in boys, but not impossible. Rett syndrome is usually recognized in children between 6-18 months of age as they begin to miss developmental milestones or lose abilities they had once gained;

AND WHEREAS throughout their lives these courageous individuals will need total care and constant support from their family; they will combat many medical challenges. They may have seizures, osteoporosis, scoliosis, breath holding, hyperventilation, nutritional problems and so much more. Apraxia, which is the inability to motor plan, is one of the most challenging aspects of Rett Syndrome along with loss of speech;

AND WHEREAS in 1999 it was discovered that Rett Syndrome is primarily caused by a sporadic mutation in the MECP2 gene on the X chromosome, and since this discovery there are many research projects taking place across Ontario and Canada;

AND WHEREAS as there is no Canadian Rett Syndrome Association, the Ontario Rett Syndrome Association (O.R.S.A.) has members from many provinces across Canada and through donations and fundraising efforts have been able to fund the Canadian Rett Syndrome Registry, fund over $678,000 in Canadian Rett syndrome research, and fund and support Rett clinics in Ontario. Currently, the Rett syndrome clinics provide direct critical support to families and their loved one regarding care and management issues.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Town of Pelham does hereby proclaim October 2020 as Rett Syndrome Awareness Month.  

Click here to view PDF Version of proclamation

Learn more about Rett Syndrome 

Seniors' Month

June 2023

WHEREAS Seniors’ Month is an annual province-wide celebration;

AND WHEREAS seniors have contributed and continue to contribute immensely to the life and vibrancy of this community;

AND WHEREAS seniors continue to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers and important and active members of this community; 

AND WHEREAS their contributions past and present warrant appreciation and recognition and their stories deserve to be told;

AND WHEREAS the optimal health and wellbeing of seniors is in the interest of all and further adds to the health and well-being of the community;

AND WHEREAS the knowledge and experience seniors pass on continues to benefit all; 

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims the month of June 2023 as Seniors’ Month in the Town of Pelham. 

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation

Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day

October 7, 2022

WHEREAS Trigeminal Neuralgia is a disorder of the fifth cranial nerve that is often called the world’s worst pain; and

WHEREAS Trigeminal Neuralgia causes sharp, stabbing, electric-like face pain, and it is not unusual for sufferers to end their lives trying to escape the agonizing pain; and

WHEREAS the episodes of pain can strike anytime, anywhere, and last for extended periods leaving the person helpless and incapacitated; and

WHEREAS October 7, 2022 marks the tenth International Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day which will see more than 100 World Landmarks, international bridges, buildings, and structures lighting up teal for the evening in support of this awareness;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, I, Marvin Junkin, Mayor of Town of Pelham, hereby proclaim October 7, 2022 to be Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day in Pelham.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation. 

Learn more about Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day

World Autism Day

April 2, 2022

WHEREAS World Autism Day will be recognized on April 2, 2022, in Canada thanks to Senator Jim Munson’s Bill S-206, An Act Respecting World Autism Awareness Day; and

WHEREAS Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS) affects more than 135,000 Ontarians. Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in every 66 Canadian children, as well as their friends, family and community, and approximately 1-2% of the Canadian population is on the autism spectrum; and

WHEREAS ADS is a spectrum disorder, which means it not only manifests itself differently in every individual in whom it appears, but its characteristics will change over the life of each person as well. A child on the autism spectrum will become an adult on the autism spectrum; and

WHEREAS Autism Ontario is the leading source of information and referral on autism and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. Since 1973, Autism Ontario has been providing support, information and opportunities for thousands of families and individuals across the province; and

WHEREAS Autism Ontario is dedicated to increasing public awareness about autism and the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals with whom they interact. The association and its Regions share common goals of providing information and education, supporting research and advocating for programs and services for the autism community;  

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, I, Marvin Junkin, Mayor of Town of Pelham, hereby proclaim April 2, 2022 to be World Autism Day in Pelham.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation. 

Learn more about World Autism Day

World Hepatitis Day

July 28, 2022

WHEREAS, approximately 204,000 Canadians are living with Hepatitis C and over 250,000 people are living with Hepatitis B;

WHEREAS, people living with Hepatitis B and C have an increased risk of developing cirrhosis, liver failure and related illnesses;

WHEREAS, Ontario has over 110,000 people living with Hepatitis B or C, both of which are slow and progressive diseases; and

WHEREAS, there are vaccines available for Hepatitis A and B; effective Hepatitis C treatment therapies can cure over 95% of cases; and

WHEREAS, World Hepatitis Day provides an opportunity to reach out to millions of Canadians and encourage hepatitis testing, provide treatment and care for those affected while paving the way towards elimination of hepatitis as a public health concern in Canada by 2030;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims July 28, 2023 as World Hepatitis Day in the Town of Pelham.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation

Learn more about World Hepatitis Day

Year of the Garden 

June 18, 2022

WHEREAS the Year of the Garden celebrates the Centennial of Canada’s horticulture sector; and

WHEREAS gardens and gardening contribute to the quality of life of our municipality and create safe and healthy places where people can come together; and

WHEREAS gardens and gardening have helped us face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic; and

WHEREAS the Year of the Garden will highlight and celebrate the important contributions of our local gardening organizations and horticulture professionals and businesses; and

WHEREAS Communities in Bloom in collaboration with the Canadian Garden Council, invites all municipalities to celebrate the Year of the Garden;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims 2022 as the Year of the Garden in celebration of the contribution of gardens and gardening to the development of our country, our municipality and the lives of our citizens in terms of health, quality of life and environmental challenges; and

THAT the Saturday before Father’s Day, June 18, 2022, be recognized as Garden Day in the Town of Pelham as a legacy of Canada’s Year of the Garden 2022; and

THAT the Town of Pelham is committed to be a Garden Friendly Town supporting the development of its garden culture. 

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation. 

Learn more about the Year of the Garden