"Dig beyond the rhetoric and promises — because given our electoral track record since 2010, every time we’ve bought what was being sold, buyer’s remorse has set in pretty quickly," writes Kevin MacLean.
"How would Canada fight the guys across the river? And if it were to happen (which it won’t) what might you do to protect yourself and your assets?" writes Garth Turner.
"Is it any surprise that several smaller Ontario municipalities, with limited budgets and much tighter staff constraints, might opt for a draconian 'hard line in the sand' in their bylaws that denies access to any and all electoral activities?" writes Brian Marshall.
Three longtime Shaw actors, Sharry Flett, Patrick Galligan and Sanjay Talwar, sat down to chat with theatre critic Anthony Chase about their journeys as actors and careers at the Shaw. The result? "They shared a love and total commitment to what they are doing," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"One of the most important must-dos is to assess the space in which you live for risks of falling — getting in and out of bathtubs and showers, climbing and especially descending stairs," writes Dr. William Brown.
"unless some major tree intervention measures are carried out soon, this historic and legendary representative of the original oak tree will succumb to its demise before the ribbon-cutting ceremony of this mega hotel development," writes Buddy Andres.
"It’s town staff that won’t put an engineering stamp on their recommendations. The rely on developer-paid consultant reports with exculpatory language. So, what kind of decision-making is taking place?" writes Gienek Ksiazkiewicz.
"Today in NOTL, time is of the essence. We are at an important juncture for our town ... Will we (constituents and elected officials) rise up to meet the challenge?" writes Lydia Madonia.
"Thank you for an incredible community Terry Fox Run on Sunday, Sept, 20. Over 300 people came together in hope and determination to carry on Terry’s dream of a world without cancer," writes Joan King.
"For residents wanting a distinct shift in town governance to protect our community from predatory development, the choice comes down to simple math, not personal politics. A divided house cannot achieve a new direction," writes Judith Barnes.
"A&M are pumping their latest project. It’s a whopper. If the sisters get their way with local politicians (once again), the old Rand Estate will turn into a five-storey, 111-room luxury Ritz-Carlton hotel," writes Garth Turner.
"Should any future council enact an interim control bylaw, underwritten by a duly compliant study, it will be largely legally unassailable," writes Brian Marshall.
"Niagara-on-the-Lake should not be treated as an extension of a 'Vegas North' casino economy. We are not a desert entertainment strip," writes Keith McNenly.
"I have heard that during his 26 years as mayor, Henry Paffard advocated for the planting of over 1,000 trees. By any measure, that’s a lot of limbs and leaves and shade and oxygen. And with trees come squirrels," writes Ross Robinson.
"Regardless of differences of opinion over development projects, I recognize that public discourse should be conducted respectfully and without casting aspersions on others," writes Stewart Hall.
"It is not the responsibility of the bureaucracy to teach a rookie 'the ropes.' The bureaucracy is there to answer questions — what questions would a rookie know to ask?" writes Derek Insley.
"When it comes to policy decisions on planning and bylaws, our lord mayor and councillors cannot resort to using this ill-conceived tool," writes Bob Bader.
"This October, we are electing more than just some maintenance of the status quo; we are electing a diplomatic shield to protect our town from political erasure," writes Judith Barnes.
"Pickleball has become an important part of our community’s recreational life. A dedicated indoor facility could support residents of all ages and abilities, provide year-round programming and potentially generate revenue," writes Ron Pychel.
"I would very much support Mr. Marshall’s call for requirements to build with permeable materials and to enforce lot coverages and setbacks to minimize impermeable surfaces in our town," writes Christine Earl.
"We must elect a blend of new with a very select minority and seasoned old-guard members, who can impart their knowledge and mentor the new rookie members to grow in their new positions," writes Samuel Young.
"Mr. Frost stressed that developments were important to the financial health of the town. Our taxes would jump significantly if they were not approved. The implication was this source of revenue was the driving and overwhelming factor to approve developments," writes Gienek Ksiazkiewicz.
"Let's get Niagara-on-the-Lake and its elected officials get us the answers we need and push the Ontario government to help. We need answers and financial help sooner rather then later," writes Paul Carey.
"We sometimes talk as though there are competing constituencies here: farmers versus townspeople, Old Town versus the other communities, tourism businesses versus residents, newcomers versus longtime residents. I think that framing gets us into trouble," writes Bruce Gitelman.
"Alexander and Hannah Jarvis Hamilton contracted John Latshaw to build Willowbank in 1834 and they moved into the property with six children in 1836 (five more children would join them later)," writes Elizabeth Oliver-Malone.
"Signs matter in this process. They convey a message about the candidate. They remind you who’s running and show who supports them," writes Garth Turner. "Well, what do some of the current signs tell us?"
"In short, we have two candidates who, should they become lord mayor, will support and perpetuate the current system and one candidate who is willing to take what we’ve got and work toward something different," writes Brian Marshall.
