Civic Recognition

March 2025

WHEREAS March is Amyloidosis Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and supporting those living with amyloidosis and their loved ones;

AND WHEREAS Amyloidosis is a group of diseases that occurs when an abnormal protein, known as amyloid, builds up in the tissues and organs of the body. Left untreated, the disease can result in organ failure and can be fatal;

AND WHEREAS Amyloidosis can mimic the signs and symptoms of more common medical conditions and the disease can be challenging to diagnose;

AND WHEREAS Amyloidosis often affects people who are older or middle aged; however, younger people have been diagnosed with this disease;

AND WHEREAS Some of the signs and symptoms of amyloidosis can include 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 Early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes for both patients and their families; 

AND WHEREAS Raising awareness about all the amyloidosis diseases, including hereditary and non-hereditary forms of the disease, can contribute to the building of healthier communities across Canada.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims the month of March 2024 as Amyloidosis Awareness Month in the Town of Pelham.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation
Learn more about Amyloidosis and The Canadian Amyloidosis Support Network, Inc.

May 9, 2025

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 9, 2025, as Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation

January 2024

WHEREAS Crime Stoppers of Niagara, a citizen volunteer managed charity since 1985 has for 35 plus years served the Region of Niagara and the citizens of Pelham with their volunteer efforts solely for the purpose of sustaining and raising the quality of life in Niagara, with its continued efforts for a safer Niagara community; and

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 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 Niagara actively works with members of the community, the media, and the police as a community safety service partner.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Town of Pelham does hereby proclaim the month of January 2024 as Crime Stoppers Month. 

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation
Learn more about Crime Stoppers Month

December 3, 2024

WHEREAS GivingTuesday is an annual celebration of generosity and volunteerism which is celebrated and recognized in over 180+ countries across the globe;

AND WHEREAS GivingTuesday is a day to kick off the Giving Season and provide for the less fortunate after the frenzy of Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales;

AND WHEREAS since 2012, GivingTuesday has raised billions of dollars for charities and nonprofits across Canada, the US, and the World, and;

AND WHEREAS since forming in 2021, NiagaraGives and GivingTuesday has inspired more than $300,000 in charitable donations to local Niagara organizations;

AND WHEREAS GivingTuesday brings together businesses, charities, families, and entire communities to tackle real issues and create a better world for all;

AND WHEREAS the Town of Pelham recognizes and celebrates the incredible contributions of individuals and organizations and recognizes the increasing need for their services.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Town of Pelham does hereby proclaim December 3, 2024 as GivingTuesday. 

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation 

May 2025

WHEREAS May is recognized as Leave a Legacy Month, a national awareness campaign created by the Canadian Association of Gift Planners to highlight the importance and impact of charitable gifts in wills, encouraging individuals to consider how their legacy can extend beyond their lifetime and benefit future generation.

AND WHEREAS many residents of Pelham may believe that philanthropy is only for the wealthy, when in reality, even a small percentage of one’s estate can create meaningful and lasting change in the community. Generosity is a powerful force for good, and individuals from all walks of life have the ability to make a difference by including a charitable gift in their will, ensuring their values live on through causes that matter most to them.

AND WHEREAS Niagara Community Foundation (NCF) has been Niagara’s philanthropic partner for 25 years, helping turn intent into impact. Since its founding in 2000, NCF has raised over $91.5 million in permanent endowment funds and has granted over $31 million to charities across Niagara, supporting education, health care, environment, sports and recreation, arts and culture, and community development.

AND WHEREAS NCF continues to connect donors with causes, communities to resources, ensuring that charitable gifts are invested strategically to strengthen the local community in perpetuity. NCF’s 25^th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the power of legacy giving and to inspire more residents to consider how even a 1% gift in their will can leave a profound and lasting impact on the charities and organizations that enrich life in Pelham and across Niagara.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims the month of May as Leave a Legacy Month in the Town of Pelham.

Proclamation
Learn more about Niagara Community Foundation Leave a Legacy Month

May 2025

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 Canadians born in the 1990s will get skin cancer in their lifetimes;

AND WHEREAS many people seek sun without taking the advisable precautionary measures and are 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 2025 as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

Click here to view a PDF version of the proclamation. 

To learn more: Our Story | Save Your Skin  Sunscreen Dispensers | Save Your Skin

June 8, 2024

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 Building Group 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 a lemonade stands across the Town of Pelham and the Niagara Peninsula on Saturday, June 8, 2024;

AND WHEREAS Mountainview Building Group 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 Building Group and other generous sponsors are helping build a brighter future for Niagara;

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

AND WHEREAS Council of the Town of Pelham hereby encourages children of the Town of Pelham to participate in the annual Mountainview LemonAID Day for FACS Niagara;

AND WHEREAS 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, AND help give 500 children from Niagara Peninsula to experience summer camp in 2024.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims Saturday, June 8, 2024 as Mountainview LemonAID Day for FACS Niagara in the Town of Pelham.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation
Learn more about Mountainview LemonAID Day for FACS Niagara

May 26 – June 1, 2024

WHEREAS Section 133 of the Accessible Canada Act, 2019, indicates that throughout Canada, in each year, the week starting on the last Sunday in May is to be known as National AccessAbility Week;

AND WHEREAS National AccessAbility Week is a week for Canadians to promote inclusion and accessibility in our communities and workplaces, and to celebrate our progress to be inspired to further break down accessibility barriers;

AND WHEREAS Promoting accessibility creates a more inclusive society, fostering understanding and respect for the rights of all individuals, regardless of ability;

AND WHEREAS this year’s theme is “accessibility is within reach”;

AND WHEREAS over 15 percent of Ontarians live with some form of a disability, and many persons living with disabilities face barriers in areas of employment, information and technology, transportation, housing, education, and recreation;

AND WHEREAS we all benefit from a community and economy without barriers to inclusion, and when persons with disabilities can participate in all aspects of society, including accessing employment, resources and services, it enriches Canada and its economy;

AND WHEREAS the Town of Pelham is committed to creating a community where accessibility is within reach, providing inclusive environments, services and programming that are accessible and welcoming to its’ staff, residents, community members, and visitors.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Town of Pelham does hereby proclaim May 26-June 1, 2024, as National AccessAbility Week. 

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation

April 28, 2025

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

AND WHEREAS on April 28^th we honour the millions of Ontarians impacted by a workplace fatality, injury, or illness; and

AND WHEREAS according to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada, in 2023, there were 1,057 workplace fatalities recorded in Canada; and

AND WHEREAS there were 274,022 accepted claims for lost time due to a work-related injury or disease, including 32,861 from workers aged 15-24; and

AND WHEREAS the National Day of Mourning has since spread to about 80 countries around the world.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims April 28, 2025 as National Day of Mourning in the Town of Pelham.

PDF version of Proclamation

February 19-25, 2024

WHEREAS Scouts Canada has been leading the country in co-ed youth programing since 1908 and is recognized in the community as providing adventure, character building, and the teaching of essential skills to youth that help prepare them for life;

WHEREAS youth members in the Town of Pelham benefit from the variety of fun experiences, outdoor adventures and have made meaningful contributions to their community as an essential part of making the Scout Promise and;

WHEREAS members along with a dedicated team of nearly 14,000 volunteers are encouraged to lead the charge in creating a better world by lifting the people, communities and neighbourhoods in which they reside; and

WHEREAS Scout-Guide Week is a celebration of the accomplishments that youth members and volunteers have succeeded in, as well as a commitment to the community in achieving their mission through programs, community service, and inclusivity.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Town of Pelham does hereby proclaim the week of February 19 to February 25 2024 as Scout Guide Week.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation.
Learn more about Scouting in Pelham

July 28, 2024

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, 2024 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

April 2, 2025

WHEREAS World Autism Day is recognized on April 2, 2024, in Canada. Autism Ontario is one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community, and the work we do helps all autistic individuals and families in their communities have access to meaningful support, information, and connections – not only on April 2 but every day throughout the year.

AND WHEREAS Autism impacts more than 135,000 individuals in Ontario, representing 1 in every 50 Canadian children and youth. It not only influences the lives of autistics but also their friends, families, and communities. It's crucial for us to raise awareness, and acceptance, provide support and promote a more inclusive society.

AND WHEREAS Autism is a diverse spectrum that varies widely among individuals. Each person's experience with autism can change over time. This evolving journey highlights the uniqueness of every autistic individual, emphasizing the need for understanding and support tailored to their specific needs.

AND WHEREAS Autism Ontario is the leading source of information and referral on autism, and since 1973, has been providing support, information, and opportunities for thousands of families and individuals across the province.

AND WHEREAS Autism Ontario is devoted to raising public awareness about autism and addressing the everyday challenges faced by individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who work alongside them. We urge everyone to recognize and celebrate the unique differences and needs of others, fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals can participate fully in activities and discussions. Together, we can create a society that values and includes everyone.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims April 2, 2025 as World Autism Day in the Town of Pelham.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed Proclamation
Learn more about Autism Ontario