Submitted Column, Author at Niagara Now

Opinion: Who won the federal election? We did

“We’re in the early stages of the biggest political fight most of us have ever seen in this country; if we’re going to win, we need to listen to each other and pull together,” writes David Israelson.

Large dead trees are a threat to NOTL’s power lines

“NOTL Hydro is fully aware that the number of outages has been much higher than normal, starting last summer. Increasing the tree-trimming budget and activity is one of the actions being taken to try to reduce outages,” writes Tim Curtis, president and CEO of NOTL Hydro.

Opinion: ‘Strong mayor powers’ require more scrutiny from the town

“These are substantial powers that shift the balance away from consensus-based decision-making — something that has long been a hallmark of good governance in small towns like Niagara-on-the-Lake,” writes MPP Wayne Gates.

Hometown Traveller: From chasing Minotaurs to awash in rosé

“The weather in Crete was sunny and English is widely spoken. We were greeted warmly and there was some recognition of our Canadian challenges with Trump and the 51st state rhetoric,” writes Judy McLeod.

Opinion: Don’t let the darkness enveloping America spread to Canada

“On April 28, Canadians can choose to put aside our regional bickering, reject populist leadership, and elect a prime minister capable of leading Canada through these dark times. We must have a strong national leader who has never been in the thrall of the Trump cult and whose policies do not align with MAGA ideology,” writes Keith McNenly.

Opinion: NOTL’s library is an invaluable community asset

“Over my career, we have come to realize that the basis of early child development is the wiring and pruning of neural connections in a child’s brain, nestled in a backdrop of positive emotional, relational health — yes, love builds brains!” writes Dr. Robin Williams.

Opinion: Royal George and Shaw ‘heritage and economic backbone’ of NOTL

“This isn’t just about supporting the arts — it’s about investing in jobs, tourism, small businesses and the unique character of Niagara-on-the-Lake,” writes MPP Wayne Gates.

Opinion: Off to the polls — what’s at stake in the next election

“Voters are being ‘sucker punched’ after putting their trust in the Republican Party. The survival of American democracy is once again in the hands of We the people,'” writes Keith McNenly.

Opinion: Canada’s choice — compassion and care or extremism

“More and more Mr. Poilievre casts himself as a victim of elites and the media, though he actually represents the elite. Indeed, echoes of America’s oddly-coloured president claiming perpetual victimhood,” writes J. Richard Wright.

Opinion: Thank you for re-electing me to represent our home

“When I spoke to residents on the doorstep this campaign, top of mind for people was health care. We must invest more in our public health care system and protect it from the threat of American-style for-profit privatization,” writes MPP-elect Wayne Gates.

Opinion: Doug Ford’s track record speaks for itself

David Israelson Special to Niagara Now/The Lake Report I guess I should be pleased that Doug Ford came to Niagara District Airport on Feb. 8 to tell Ontarians how he’ll resist Donald Trump,

Opinion: Amalgamation of Niagara’s border communities will lead to increased taxes and fewer services

Wayne Gates Special to Niagara Now/The Lake Report Local Conservative politicians have been pushing for the provincial government to prioritize municipal amalgamation in Niagara. It’s a dangerous scheme that is likely to lead

Opinion: Other nations beware, Canada is a test for Trump

Keith McNenly Special to Niagara Now/The Lake Report Humanity is entering a new era in the dynamics of self governance. With the United States embracing authoritarianism, dismissing the concept of rule of law,

Opinion: Canada-U.S. trade: Limit retaliation, negotiate, build a stronger economy

Ted Carmichael Special to Niagara Now/The Lake Report How should Canadian governments and citizens respond to the Trump administration’s threatened tariffs? Even if Canada’s commitments on fentanyl and border security put the threats on hold,

Winter lecture series returns to Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

February’s series of lectures will shine a light on some of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s most prized — and often controversial — homesteads, including the Rand Estate, the Plumb House, The Wilderness and more.

Letter: Development issues pale in comparison to rising taxes

“I would suggest that the combination of unsustainable tax increases and no serious attempts to reign in spending represents a financial crisis,” writes Jonathan Household.

Opinion: Time to take on Trump and tariffs — not an early election

“With the threat of Trump’s tariffs looming over our economy, we need a Team Ontario approach, working together across party lines to stand up to Trump’s tariffs,” writes MPP Wayne Gates.

Opinion: The last sunrise before Trump’s second reign

“Canada is a free country, making our own decisions as citizens and forging our own democratic path in the world. Exchange independence for two of 100 seats in an undemocratic U.S. Senate? The 51st state indeed,” writes Keith McNenly.

NOTL’s young figure skaters celebrate competition wins

At the end of the year, seven skaters attended the Provincial Series #6 Stratford December Classic from Dec. 12 to 15, with Liza Butko placing first.

Lighting artist behind Oscar-winning ‘Pinocchio’ shines with Premier’s Award win

The 26-year-old Niagara College game development graduate, who worked on Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning film “Pinocchio,” is the winner of this year’s prestigious Premier’s Award in the Recent Graduate category.

Opinion: We need to fix the home care supply crisis

“Forcing people already dealing with an out-of-control affordability crisis to pay out of pocket for needed medical supplies is outrageous,” writes MPP Wayne Gates.

Opinion: Niagara’s hospital system is in crisis

After reading Kevin MacLean’s article on his experience in the emergency room at the St. Catharines hospital, Wendy Cheropita shares the trials of her own “waiting game”: “What I didn’t know was what lay ahead of me. This was my first visit in 10 years.”

TOWN NOTICE: Notice of complete application and open house

An open house is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. regarding a modificaton to an approved draft plan for the Harvest Creek Condominium.

Opinion: Glendale secondary plan update proposes even taller buildings

“Residents only want a community that mirrors the other four settlement areas that make up Niagara-on-the-Lake. Is this too much to ask for?” writes Steve Hardaker.

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