
Opinion: If NOTL doesn’t want amalgamation, what do we want?
“Our local leaders should think boldly and speak clearly. It’s time to dream — otherwise, someone else will be dreaming for us,” writes David Israelson.

“Our local leaders should think boldly and speak clearly. It’s time to dream — otherwise, someone else will be dreaming for us,” writes David Israelson.

“Amalgamation was intended to deliver ‘better, more efficient government at less cost to the taxpayer.’ But, 25 years later, Hamilton residents are still waiting,” writes Ken Bosveld.

“Amalgamation with local adjacent municipalities with failing infrastructure will result in higher cost of living, more taxes and less service,” writes Richard Connelly.

The representatives of small governments like NOTL “aren’t ‘politicians’ of the ilk perceived by Premier Ford, with offices in glass palaces and numerous staff,” writes Keith McNenly, “but community members representing community members.”

“If you sometimes buy milk from the supermarket and sometimes from the convenience store, it does not mean that one or the other should be shut down,” writes David Israelson.

“We need to have the ability for local voices to make decisions that are best for the character and residents of the town,” writes Wayne Gates.

“It would be helpful for everyone on all sides of this dispute, right or wrong, to lower the temperature, in print, online and in social media,” writes David Israelson.

“We’ve made progress here by working together as a community to open Niagara Long Term Care Residence. But let’s be clear: we shouldn’t accept any cuts to beds in long-term care in Niagara,” writes Wayne Gates.

“Doug Ford is forcing through the amalgamation of our local conservation authority — the conservation authority that protects so much of what we hold dear in Niagara,” writes Wayne Gates.

“This fiscal irresponsibility this term kneecaps our future councils, leaving them little manoeuvring room going forward,” writes Steve McGuinness.

“Wouldn’t our provincial government be wiser to support economic diversification? NOTL may aspire to be Napa North, but we lack their nearby Silicon Valley,” writes Steve McGuinness.

“Transparency, lawful decision-making and respect for the limits of municipal authority protect not only the town, but also the residents who ultimately bear the financial consequences,” writes Maria Mavridis.

“For whatever reasons, Niagara-on-the-Lake has a history of delaying important decisions; here’s a chance for council to break that pattern and make Canada’s most beautiful town even better,” writes David Israelson.

“The government has plenty of time for photo ops and fundraising tours, but not enough time in the House to seriously address the issues families are worried about every day,” writes Wayne Gates.

“While Ontario municipalities struggle to balance the property rights of landowners with broader community interests, Doug Ford continues to exert his full weight on one side of the property development scales,” writes Steve McGuinness.

“The only thing certain about this ongoing great town patio debacle is that it is not over,” writes Steve McGuinness.

“Metered parking is enforced for 3,340 hours a year, meaning the annual maximum revenue is $18,370 per space at full utilization,” writes Steve McGuinness.

“Multi-millionaires received a 20 per cent off early Black Friday discount on the $5 million total development charge,” writes Steve McGuinness.

“The world has become a darker place, and it’s going to be a tough Christmas for you, just like everyone else,” writes Keith McNenly.

“It’s shocking how many Canadians have not prepared a will or completed any basic end-of-life planning. No matter your age or wealth level, this is imprudent and irresponsible,” writes Steve McGuinness.

“This new budget process is more compressed and accelerated than in prior years. This change was imposed on May 1 when the province conferred strong mayor powers on our town without voter consent,” writes Steve McGuinness.

“Babe Ruth, among his many quoted phrases, said, ‘It ain’t over till it’s over.’
That amazing team of Blue Jays players has proven what we already knew: it’s never over, we’re just occasionally between innings,” writes Keith McNenly.

“Businesses in sectors like oil and gas (and specifically producers of liquid natural gas) are especially favoured … Sometimes the squeaky wheel attracts the grease,” writes Steve McGuinness.

“Connecting with nature and connecting in nature both have solid benefits: little hands in sand and water and soil, bring the principles of science and math and literacy alive,” write Dr. Robin Williams and Dr. Richa Agnihotri
“Under the Canada Health Act, provinces are required to maintain universal health plans offering their residents medical coverage. The provinces receive significant social transfer amounts from the feds in return,” writes Steve McGuinness.

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