"Many Niagara-on-the-Lake residents may be unaware that this year's municipal election could fundamentally change how decisions are made in their community," writes the NOTL Residents Association.
"Add it up: The airport. The bridge. The bag money being thrown around. The unwarranted edifices like Parliament Oak or the Rand Ritz-Carlton ... Goettler sees a plot," writes Garth Turner.
"As a collective, we fall into the rut of repeating the past simply because it is familiar and comfortable. But, then there are those who step out and create new and wonderful alternatives," writes Brian Marshall.
A fascination that likely began when humans first created shadow images on caves in ancient times, puppets have survived millenniums as a storytelling device popular around the world, writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"The Undercovers entertained us with their rich harmonies and signature style, but the value added was the education. So many facts provided in their soulful storytelling," writes Ross Robinson.
"As our local election draws closer, I (and no doubt many others) am asking what candidates am I prepared to vote for. What characteristics should my choices demonstrate? How would they likely behave as lord mayor or councillor?" writes Terry Mactaggart.
"I looked at all the candidates' platforms, and only two of them even mention the word 'environmental.' This strikes me as wildly out of touch," writes Tara Rosling.
"Shouldn’t residents, particularly those who have suffered flood damage, be told what those disadvantages are, and why they led to the NOTL official position on the subject?" writes Robin Cardozo.
"Democracy takes a hit when the one assuming that role refuses to speak on the record, be interviewed, or allow underlings to comment," writes Garth Turner.
"Without proper maintenance," writes Brian Marshall, "in a short period of time, a drain can lose its effectiveness to manage water and help to prevent flooding."
"She sought unusual locations where ordinary people built empires against the odds and where strong, smart women overcame gender, convention and adversity," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"Rejuvenating the brain might hold the line or possibly slow decline a bit, but not return our brain back to where it was when we were 20. That’s way beyond the science as it exists," writes Dr. William Brown.
"To add storm water ditches, culverts, drainage so this doesn't happen again is a major investment. If it not done, then it will be impossible to get flood insurance in NOTL," writes Malcolm Newton.
"It should be a simple concept: to mitigate flooding, keep the flood gates in order, and the waterways, drains and ditches, designed to carry away flood water, clear of impediments so that water can flow unobstructed," writes Madis Tambre.
"The reality is that every one of us is, at different times, a driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian. We all benefit when our roads are safer," writes Frank Hayes.
"The storms helped us face facts. A massive assault on the sewer system should have been disclosed — before the toilets burped, sump pumps were overcome and basements filled," writes Garth Turner.
"While the current council does not bear full responsibility for the sad state of our infrastructure, its decision to greenlight development applications that rely on the same inadequate and failing infrastructure must be called into question," writes Brian Marshall.
"Indulge the child within you. This joyous production is for all ages and it was pure delight to see children on the edge of their seats, parents and grandparents alert, all responding and laughing in anticipation of what was coming," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"In a nutshell, that’s what rejuvenation is all about: making old cells, old systems, old organs including our brains, young again. Or at least, that’s the hyped hope," writes Dr. William Brown
"We can rest assured town council and our town staff led by chief administrator Nick Ruller are working overtime and proactively to mitigate the effects of our next major precipitation event. Big bucks. But with climate change guaranteed, 'it’s a matter of when, not if,'" writes Ross Robinson.
"We have seen heartbreaking images of flooded basements, entire farmer’s fields swept away, and businesses’ inventories destroyed," writes Wayne Gates.
"Garth is right that local politicians have the greatest impact on people’s daily lives. That is precisely why he should participate in the next election," writes Gienek Ksiazkiewicz.
"I have reported previously that tourism will be the eventual downfall of our local culture. We are nearing, or past, the point of no return, yet more tourism is our number one priority," writes Sam Young.
"Our leadership gave the final green light to a modern complex that will forever, irrevocably, irreversibly change our landmark street. Not since 1847 when the Courthouse was built has anyone done this," writes Garth Turner.
"'Heartbreak House' is a profound examination of generational change, of dreams and ambitions shattered by war, of industry and government overturning social programs in favour of exploitation," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"What do we want our legislative bodies — municipal and provincial — to do to underwrite our shared wish relative to protecting Ontario’s heritage?" writes Brian Marshall.
