Civic Recognition

November 25 - December 10, 2023

WHEREAS 16 Days of Activism beginning November 25 International Day for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence Against Women until December 10 Human Rights Day.

WHEREAS violence continues to be the greatest gender inequality rights issue for women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

WHEREAS November is Women Abuse Prevention Month in Ontario.

WHEREAS our community is committed to ending all forms of gender-based violence.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence to begin November 25 and continue until December 10 and urge all citizens to recognize these days to increase awareness and to take action to support survivors of gender-based violence.

Click here to view PDF version of the signed proclamation.

March 2024

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 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 9, 2024

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, 2024, as Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day.

Click here to view a PDF version of the signed proclamation

September 2024

WHEREAS over 800 children under the age of 15 are diagnosed with cancer each year in Canada;

AND WHEREAS 1 in 330 children will be diagnosed with cancer before their 18th birthday;

AND WHEREAS childhood cancer is the #1 cause of death by disease of Canadian Children;

AND WHEREAS there are over 200 types of childhood cancers not including subtypes and mutations;

AND WHEREAS childhood cancer places a tremendous financial burden on families;

AND WHEREAS over 75% of childhood cancer survivors live with at least one chronic health condition and a third of these are severe or life-threatening;

AND WHEREAS little is known about what causes childhood cancer with limits the opportunities for prevention;

AND WHEREAS additional awareness and funding for childhood cancer is needed as only 4-6 cents from every research dollar goes toward childhood cancer research;

AND WHEREAS annually, September is officially recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by the Province of Ontario.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Town of Pelham does hereby proclaim the month of September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  

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 

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

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 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

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 

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

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

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, 2024

WHEREAS World Autism Day will be recognized on April 2, 2024, in Canada thanks to Senator Jim Munson’s Bill S-206, An Act Respecting World Autism Awareness Day; and

AND WHEREAS Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) 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 ASD 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

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; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Town of Pelham hereby proclaims April 2, 2024 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