“The centre of town … should be returned to the previous purpose it was originally meant to be: to be an accessible area for long-time taxpayers of Niagara-on-the-Lake,” writes Cecilia Bennett.
“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.
“Under realistic conditions, the proposed parking structure is unlikely to be financially self-sustaining, and the burden shifts to the taxpayer,” writes Colin Patey.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Hopefully, more businesses will put out ramps or find other solutions to make it easier and possible for disabled people,” writes Dina Ritacca.
“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.
“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.
“We must remain cognizant that provincial policies include increased density and height, loss of heritage structures and loss of open space and tree cover. What about the needs of local residents?” writes Luba Fraser.
“Instead of working with the foundation, we have decided to spend an additional $80,000 refining what staff or council or our lord mayor seem to think we need to identify before we can go to a request for proposal,” writes Bob Bader.
“This site represents a rare opportunity. It is not just about land use — it is about identity, legacy and what we choose to prioritize as a community,” writes Jennifer Reimer.
“Wouldn’t it have made sense for an elected Niagara Region official to review Harry Schlange’s information to see whether it had merit?” writes Gienek Ksiazkiewicz.
“I wonder: who will come to this second location of the big beautiful new Shaw Festival Theatre, year-round, and how much damage three years of construction and loss of visitors will do to our quaint town?” writes Megan Wood.
“Imagine part of Queen Street as a pedestrian-only street, with broad sidewalks and a beautiful tree-line median,” writes Kevin Leicht.
“Except to attend Shaw performances and favourite restaurants, I seldom need to visit Old Town,” writes Kenn Moody.
“Development, growth and progress will always be part of this community’s story. The question has always been whether we do it in a way that honours what makes Niagara-on the-Lake worth protecting,” writes Nicholas Colaneri.
“Why would council put $200,000 into this when the Burton Foundation has been knocking on the door, yelling from the roof top for over four years just for the opportunity to participate in a request for proposal?” writes Heather Campagnola.
“Niagara-on-the-Lake is a growing and dynamic community, with more families choosing to call it home. Ensuring that children have access to meaningful, local education is vital to sustaining that growth,” writes Krista Hill.
“Though I am not paid by the tax-payers to confront these urgent issues, I wondered if the Fort George parking lot could be better utilized to deal with the twin big dilemmas of where tourists could park and pee,” writes Rick Monette.
“I think it’s time that city hall considers the residents who actually live here and pay taxes, to have something that would benefit them for a change,” writes Kenneth C. O’Malley.
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