“Easing congestion wasn’t council’s main rationale for leaning toward a garage at 176 Wellington — money is. Council members either believe or were led to believe that parking will bring in piles of it,” writes David Israelson.
“Authoritarian forces are aligning across borders, and the free world again needs coherent leadership. Canada’s message, in that context, has been clarity of purpose,” writes Keith McNenly.
“The Ford government is spending millions upon millions on private planes, private spas and handouts to developers, while our public services crumble and life gets increasingly unaffordable for families in Ontario,” writes Wayne Gates.
“There are important moments when a community must decide not only what to build, but how — and with whom. Niagara-on-the-Lake is in one of those moments,” writes Susan St Amand.
“The most dangerous species on Earth was not conquered. It was befriended, one household at a time, by a creature sometimes small enough to fit in your arms and wise enough to require your best self,” writes Keith McNenly.
“Fort Mississauga stands as a tower of strength on Lake Ontario. Built just after the War of 1812, this unique site reflects 150 years of British and Canadian military activity,” writes Tony Chisholm.
“It all really boils down to one thing: if you’re a voter in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the province wants to hear less than ever from you about decisions that affect your town,” writes David Israelson.
“Democracy can be messy. It can take time. But that process is exactly what ensures decisions reflect the people they impact,” writes Wayne Gates.
“Taken together, Putin and Trump can be seen as pursuing compatible projects in different hemispheres,” writes Keith McNenly, citing the consolidation of influence through coercion, leverage and military aggression; treating sovereignty as negotiable and more.
“Not all can, or even wish to, pursue the gold standard of assisted living. Care should be taken to remain sensitive to the needs of the less affluent and to avoid a tendency for “high-end,” high-profile housing proposals,” writes Michael Ennamorato.
“As decisions are made about the future of 176 Wellington, I hope there is room to consider what it could mean for young people in this community to have a place that reflects their potential,” writes Andorlie Hillstrom.
“Among areas of consensus, there are some important ‘universals’ shared by virtually all NOTL seniors. It is clear, for instance, that the large majority share a desire to age in their current community and, ideally, within their current neighbourhood,” writes Michael Ennamorato.
“Will NOTL’s council ever be ready to consider other options for this public property? Based on what we’ve seen so far, you don’t what you’ve got till it’s gone,” writes David Israelson.
“Do you think that people in Niagara should have less ability to find out what the government is doing on these files behind closed doors? I certainly don’t,” writes Wayne Gates.
“The irony is that Gale’s resignation leaves Niagara Region better off, but not for the reasons he resigned. These reasons relate to his job, not his peccadillos,” 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.
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