“I’m sure our town has well-intended individuals managing heritage concerns, but again, good intentions don’t always equate to the expertise required for such a task,” writes Mark Smith.
“This project is more than bricks and mortar — it’s an investment in our economy, our community spirit, and our cultural future,” writes Allan Bisback.
“The Chamber is so stubborn to continue with promotional activities instead of solidly encouraging the formation of a BIA (business improvement area) like the rest of the province’s towns,” writes Mary Gallagher.
“The people of this community deserve facts, not fearmongering, about the future of their health care,” writes Jake Sinke, president of the Niagara Falls PC Riding Association.
“I have been to NOTL many times over the years, but you have given me so many reasons to come back,” writes Beth McMaster.
The words ‘will be developed’ and “will be considered” have very different meanings. The former is a commitment and the latter an option. This change in language in the draft official plan is unacceptable,” writes Kate Sullivan.
“I live near the roundabout in Virgil, directly under a flight path … As things are today, it’s quite tolerable,” writes Eric Lehtinen. “The thought of more and bigger planes using the airport at regular intervals is simply unendurable.”
“We are all in awe when we walk down historic cities or villages in Europe, yet we are totally oblivious to the effort it has taken local communities and administrations to protect what they have,” writes Lydia Madonia.
“At this point in the Royal George rebuild project, council should be holding all the cards it needs to win the game and the day,” writes Terry Davis.
“The site is immediately beside the densest residential area in the Old Town and in a beautiful park, which has a steady stream of walking and biking visitors,” writes Catherine Cornell.
“Why have they picked the most densely populated area in Old Town? There are some 130 residents nearby,” writes Mike Henry.
“I, for one, appreciate that The Lake Report gives Garth a prime-position soapbox even though I thoroughly disagree with his assessment and conclusions,” writes Doug Mepham.
“Change will indeed occur, it is inevitable — but aren’t there some types of change that are within one’s control?” writes Ruth Denyer.
In a statement from the Niagara Foundation issued this week, it writes, “We recognize and value the Shaw Festival as a core cultural element and encourage it to be equally respectful of the heritage elements of this town, ensuring the Royal George ‘fits’ within our heritage district.”
“Clearly, council shouldn’t have approved such a colossal commercial development on a property surrounded on four sides by single-family houses on quiet, narrow laneways,” writes Wayne Murray.
“Diluting this promise to a mere ‘consideration’ in the latest red-line version of the plan feels like a slap in the face,” writes Robin Cardozo.
“The lord mayor appears to be refusing to provide the information and has instructed the new CAO to merely prepare a summary of the historical correspondence and to ‘close the loop,'” writes Gienek Ksiazkiewicz.
“Robin is a respected festival director and tireless advocate whose efforts have made a meaningful cultural impact. Her support for the Shaw proposal stems from a sincere desire to see our town thrive,” writes Kate Morris.
“The town asked for input on the revised official plan and as a respondent, the Chautauqua Residents Association (in my opinion) gets unfairly criticized,” writes Brian Crow.
“Clearly, the overwhelming majority of our town residents would agree, Chautauqua is indeed unique within our community,” writes Samuel Young.
“This isn’t a copy-and-paste neighbourhood. It needs thoughtful, area-specific planning to protect what makes it special,” writes Jeff Richardson.
“The next round of renderings will offer a fuller picture — complete with streetscapes, gardens, and trees — so you can better visualize the theatre as part of the community fabric,” write Tim Jennings and Tim Carroll.
“My garden is well fenced, so the mystery is how the coyote got in and how he left. And the lingering fear was, would he be back?” writes Nancy Smith.
“We must be careful with our community: seasonal wealth and picture-postcard charm can mask a deeper fragility,” writes Jim Burton.
“Robert Hamilton Sr.’s estate (land holdings) wasn’t distributed to the four sons, three stepsons and daughter until 1823, when John was 21,” writes Elizabeth Oliver-Malone.
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