Opinion

Editorial: Ford needs to act ‘For the People’

Premier Doug Ford, writes Kevin MacLean, "has shown time and time again that, really, he is 'For the People' — though maybe just not the common people who have to live with his actions and decisions."

Opinion: While people struggle, Ford drops $30M on a private jet

"The Ford government is spending millions upon millions on private planes, private spas and handouts to developers, while our public services crumble and life gets increasingly unaffordable for families in Ontario," writes Wayne Gates.

The Turner Report: The man who wants to save us. Again

"Elections are levelers. Money won’t buy you one. Support is earned, and in NOTL these days, we’re a polarized society," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: Welcoming the new while respecting the old — it can be done

"There are those who respect our built heritage, who embrace the generations that have come before and understand how traditional buildings add to our community," writes Brian Marshall.

Dr. Brown: Whether it’s humans or chimpanzees, we struggle to escape us vs. them thinking

"Human society is like chimpanzee society — tribalistic and prone to violence. A list of conflicts from world wars to endless regional conflicts and violence within our own country makes the point," writes Dr. William Brown.

Letter: Expansion underway at the NOTL Museum

"We look forward to sharing more in the coming months about how the community can continue to support this important project," writes Susan May Wery.

Letter: Support for HIV/AIDS funding matters now more than ever

"Addressing these issues is not only a moral imperative, but one that benefits us all. We can each carry the torch and be part of the solution," writes Rose Campbell.

Letter: Will parking lot on Wellington succeed? The numbers say otherwise

"Under realistic conditions, the proposed parking structure is unlikely to be financially self-sustaining, and the burden shifts to the taxpayer," writes Colin Patey.

Letter: Old hospital land’s Indigenous history deserves recognition

"The lands at and surrounding 176 Wellington St. hold deep historical significance — history that defended alliance lands and helped shape the nation we now call Canada," writes Tim Johnson.

Letter: Residents’ interests dismissed with pickleball court closure

"Council has had ample time to consult, plan and implement a solution that balances the needs of all residents. The continued inaction reflects a troubling lack of leadership and responsiveness," writes Vince Serratore.

Letter: Trees aren’t just beautiful — they’re good for us

"Change the surroundings, change the experience. Once these glorious shade trees are gone, the entrance to Old Town will be just like anywhere else," writes Valmai Howe Elkins.

Letter: Why not convert free parking spots to paid parking?

"Our town is foregoing a fortune in parking revenue by having so much free parking. No need to build a parking garage," writes Ted Rumble.

Letter: Why won’t town embrace Burton proposal?

"In most communities around the world, a philanthropic organization with funds to make investments, based on research, would be welcomed with open arms by the community leaders," writes Robin Cardozo.

Opinion: Humans vs. canines: Who domesticated whom?

"The most dangerous species on Earth was not conquered. It was befriended, one household at a time, by a creature sometimes small enough to fit in your arms and wise enough to require your best self," writes Keith McNenly.

Fort Mississauga to open for tours in May, June

"Fort Mississauga stands as a tower of strength on Lake Ontario. Built just after the War of 1812, this unique site reflects 150 years of British and Canadian military activity," writes Tony Chisholm.

The Turner Report: Massacre on Mississagua

"Why do people flock here to visit? To live in this bucolic burg? For the quiet, the history, the architecture, the streetscapes, the geography — and the green above us," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: Clear violation of heritage law at old schoolhouse

"There are those who consider our built heritage just 'old stuff' which stands in the way of realizing new development and should be unapologetically demolished," writes Brian Marshall.

Dr. Brown: In war, survival leaves its mark — even on man’s best friend

"No wonder some dogs hang out with other dogs and humans who might offer companionship, safety, warmth, food and water. Wouldn’t we in similar circumstances?" writes Dr. William Brown.

Ross’s Ramblings: Change happens slowly, but it’s going to happen

"Let us accept that change is coming to Niagara-on-the-Lake. So be it. But let us work in good faith, together and respectfully, to get the best possible results for the most people possible," writes Ross Robinson.

Letter: The wonderful world of ducks — some right in our backyard

"Many people think of ducks in a kind of generic sense (quack) and don’t realize that there are many varieties of ducks, or that most of them are really striking when seen through decent optics," writes Anita Barber.

Letter: A NOTL without the Shaw would be lacking

"I believe Queen Street needs as prominent a place for a Shaw theater as can be found for it. It draws people to it and to the businesses and it a blessed relief from more businesses," writes Peter Rand.

Letter: Let’s put more wheelchair ramps on Queen Street

"Hopefully, more businesses will put out ramps or find other solutions to make it easier and possible for disabled people," writes Dina Ritacca.

Letter: Is a parking structure the right use for the hospital site?

"If the tourism model continues to chase raw volume, buses and high-turnover day traffic, then pressure on Old Town will intensify no matter how much parking is built," writes AnnLiz Simpson.

The Turner Report: Getting theatrical over the Shaw

"Yes, the Shaw is great for NOTL. Lucky to have it. But ripping up the main street while taking such a financial gamble in dodgy economic times seems rash. So, a little scrutiny is not a bad thing," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: How the Village lost its way on architecture and vision

"What we have witnessed is the construction of a 21st-century modern glass and metal hotel that speaks neither to Niagara-on-the-Lake generally nor the Village specifically," writes Brian Marshall.

Dr. Brown: Before our modern world of air travel, there were seaplanes

"The whole experience was much better than commercial flying. We could see migrating birds in season, the unfolding country we were crossing, and overall travel times rivaled commercial flying," writes Dr. William Brown.

Opinion: Democracy in NOTL will suffer from Ford’s government overhaul

"It all really boils down to one thing: if you’re a voter in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the province wants to hear less than ever from you about decisions that affect your town," writes David Israelson.

Opinion: Centralized power threatens local democracy

"Democracy can be messy. It can take time. But that process is exactly what ensures decisions reflect the people they impact," writes Wayne Gates.

Opinion: Trump and Putin: Same agenda, different hemospheres

"Taken together, Putin and Trump can be seen as pursuing compatible projects in different hemispheres," writes Keith McNenly, citing the consolidation of influence through coercion, leverage and military aggression; treating sovereignty as negotiable and more.

Letter: Old hospital process needs to reflect our wishes

"This site is one of the most important publicly owned assets in Niagara-on-the-Lake. The process used to evaluate its future should clearly reflect the direction already provided by the community," writes Kirby Davis.

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