"For citizens who can’t add a small porch without a permit (that will likely be denied) ... watching builders and developers raze entire historic structures, erect hulking developments in sensitive areas and enjoy almost-free use of public infrastructure seems wrong," writes Garth Turner.
"Jennifer and Joel run a tight ship. I understand the eatery opened in 1995, and they took over the reins 17 years ago. They have the Midas touch of attracting highly talented, loyal and classy employees," writes Ross Robinson.
Six property owners have filed appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal, stalling and potentially killing the expansion of Old Town's heritage district, writes Brian Marshall.
"In the 18th century, instability, wars and social change were the norm," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson. "The function of music socially and politically was to represent the social values held by the royals, the aristocrats and the wealthy bourgeoisie."
"Earlier Ontarians understood that public ownership, pastoral landscapes, gardens, historical preservation and architecturally serious infrastructure could be forms of economic development," writes Keith McNenly.
"That is not a failure of government funding. It is a failure to be prepared for it," writes Ron Pychel. "This is not really about pickleball. It is about leadership, accountability and priorities."
"The expansion of NOTL is inevitable," writes Derek Collins. "However, elected government, as well as tourism agencies, must consider limits and the needs and opinions of local residents before any others."
"If past is prologue, when we look at the slate of candidates running for NOTL council, then the citizenry needs to turn the page on those who have caused so much confusion and rancour in our community," writes Joe Dias.
"The fact that these little but negatively powerful NIMBY groups continue to pull strings and brainwash the rest of the peasants places NOTL in great peril," writes Peter Rusin.
"Many, many costly mistakes have been made over the years and folks are getting tired of it! We need leadership that listens to what the citizens are asking for and need," writes David Scott.
"As early as the 1990s, scientists speculated whether it might be possible to treat cancer using some version of immunotherapy — that is, why not create antibody and/or cellular immune therapies to target specific aberrant genes or proteins in cancer cells?" writes Dr. William Brown.
"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.
"When it rained on them, it rained on them. Sometimes almost endlessly. Imagine being in a canoe with perhaps a dozen other paddlers, digging the paddle blades into one of the Great Lakes for one long monotonous day after another," writes Ross Robinson.
"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.
