Were you aware that Ontario has a Ministry of Red Tape Reduction headed by cabinet minister Parm Gill? And yes, that is the ministry’s actual name. Apparently, since 2018, we have had an
Well, the halls of Ontario’s provincial government have certainly staged high theatre since Aug. 16, when the auditor general published her report regarding Premier Doug Ford’s Greenbelt legislation. Her report, reinforced by the integrity
Over the past few weeks I have been experiencing a fierce internal debate around the subject of the proposed Glendale development by White Oaks Tennis World Inc. On one hand, this proposed development
In last week’s column we looked at the Canada-centric expression of Edwardian Classicism. In that article, it was mentioned that during the latter part of the 19th century, “there was growing disaffection with
On and off over the last eight weeks, we have explored a number of 19th and early 20th-century architectural styles that contributed to the evolution of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s existing built heritage. As regular Arch-i-text
When I first began writing the Arch-i-text series back in 2018, my intent was to make this column a place wherein the character of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s community, reflected in its built heritage and shared
Over the past few weeks, we have explored a number of 19th-century architectural styles and visited local examples. From Georgian to Gothic Revival and including the Eclectics, these styles all had one thing
Toward the end of the 19th century, a number of societal forces in both Britain and the United States combined to have a profound impact on architecture. The Industrial Revolution in the United
I was walking along Queen Street last Thursday morning when I encountered a young couple visiting town, staring perplexed at a yellow sign posted in front of 228 Queen St. I must have
In architecture, the term “revival” is applied to the various design schools that use visual styles that echo the elements of a previous architectural era. Generally speaking, revivalist architects do not attempt to
While I had intended this week to continue the series on historic architecture, which began with Georgian era and was followed by Regency era, a vital matter that affects future development in the
For most of the 1700s, the controlling elements of British society were staunchly conservative, promoting the values of rationalism, order and harmony; attitudes that launched the Industrial Revolution in Britain decades earlier than
Upon the death of Anne, the last of the Stuart monarchs, in 1714, her closest Protestant relative George Ludwig of the Hanovers ascended to the throne of the United Kingdom and Ireland. And
Those who know me understand that there has to be a compelling reason for me to visit Old Town on weekends during the high season. It’s not that I mind sharing the treasure
Although you may not have noticed yet, in the face of 10 interest rate hikes since March 2022, the building industry has been slowly grinding to a halt. A year ago, contractors and
Despite widespread voter opposition, last fall Premier Doug Ford and his government rammed through the More Homes Built Faster Act, also known as Bill 23, a piece of legislation which blatantly pandered to
I became a regular visitor to Niagara-on-the-Lake nearly 50 years ago when my aunt and uncle purchased and began renovations on an early 20th-century American Foursquare on Mary Street in Old Town. One
The prefix “neo” is derived from the Greek word “neos,” which means “new.” It is often used to indicate something that is new or modern. For example, the neoclassical style of architecture is
About three years ago, a young lady of my acquaintance purchased an old house in St. Catharines’ Yates Street Heritage District. She contacted me asking for some advice relative to rehabilitating the sadly
It should come as no surprise to the folks who regularly read this column that I am not a fan of the standard car-centric development model which creates isolated islands of cookie-cutter dwellings
I have never made it a secret that I love to incorporate curves into my designs. The correct juxtaposition of curves against straight lines creates a visual tension which is at once graceful
Recently, I found it necessary to acquire a large number of lights – various styles of bulbs and fixtures – for one of my projects. I had LED units but unfortunately, didn’t anticipate
For nearly five decades, my partner and beloved wife has been my muse, my inspiration and my grounding influence. It is due to her providing a “court of sober second thought” that some
We looked at the local expression of the Hall & Parlour Folk House in last week’s column and I promised we’d dig a little deeper into our vernacular built heritage. So, let’s take
I make no bones about the fact that, when it comes to architectural design, my preference lies with the discipline of the “high” styles. Bluntly, meeting the formalized requirements and established parameters of
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