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Niagara Falls
Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Opinion

Editorial: Niagara’s amalgamation gong show

"Let’s take a careful and thoughtful approach toward amalgamation. Niagara’s entire system of local democratic representation hangs in the balance," writes Kevin MacLean.

Opinion: Amalgamation threatens NOTL’s unique identity and decision-making power

"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.

The Turner Report: So much digging. So little telling

"The next month will bring the collapse of the theatre, the erasure of the historic barber shop beside it ... and geothermal drilling," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: Amalgamation costs less? Some researchers disagree

"The published findings of this report resulted in the conclusion that while amalgamation was supposed to bring cost savings, smaller government and lower taxes, it didn’t," writes Brian Marshall.

Ross’s Ramblings: Did the black maple leaf jinx our Olympic hockey players?

"What was the point of having black maple leaves on the Canadian ice hockey sweaters? Was it Nike’s creative folks dictating to our national Olympic bosses?" writes Ross Robinson.

Dr. Brown: Filling in the gaps in the story of humanity’s origins

"The picture of human evolution, and indeed the evolution of most species, may look very different by the mid-century mark and beyond. That’s what makes the story so intriguing for me," writes Dr. William Brown.

Letter: Saying farewell to Scott Finlay, our Sir Isaac Brock

"Scott once said, 'Find your passion and pursue it; then there is no such thing as work.' He certainly found his at Fort George," writes Tony Chisholm. Finlay, who died on Feb. 19, was 70.

Letter: We need more clarity around heritage designations

"A straightforward explanation of designation categories and the obligations that accompany them would go a long way toward helping residents understand their situation without unnecessary worry," writes Debra Rowe.

Letter: Intellectual freedom and censorship are incompatible

"While we’re being 'encouraged to think about and reaffirm our commitment to intellectual freedom,' the town has announced it will be restricting information given to the media," writes Cathy Simpson.

Letter: Has the culture of respect in NOTL changed?

"I would like to give this council one small piece of advice: listen to your electorate and respond accordingly with respect and civility," writes Buddy Andres.

Letter: Plans for survival swim lessons, yet no indoor pool?

"It is difficult to reconcile the town council's public support for mandatory swim education with the absence of the infrastructure required to deliver it," write the Niagara-on-the-Lake Indoor Pool Facebook group.

Letter: Officials making important decisions in secret

"Thank you for keeping a foot in the door and for insisting on answers to questions you are asking on our behalf," writes Jim Reynolds.

Letter: In response to Coun. Mavridis’ letter

"With all due respect to the councillor, there are many serious inaccuracies and allegations in her opinion letter that need to be corrected," writes Elena Morandi-Bonner.

Opinion: NOTL’s info gag order should go, but public should behave respectfully, too

"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.

The Turner Report: Mea culpa: Why the town had a cow

“This is a turning point for us,” veteran councillor and former mayor Gary Burroughs told Garth Turner, “and we’re not coming out of it well.”

Ross’s Ramblings: Cussin’ curlers cause curling crisis

"In my crystal ball, at the 2030 Winter Olympic Games, I think we will have curling referees in black and white striped shirts, blowing whistles to signal infractions," writes Ross Robinson.

Dr. Brown: How old is art and who were the first artists?

"The evidence that neanderthals created art has important implications and suggests that symbolic thinking antedates the emergence of modern humans by several hundred thousand years," writes Dr. William Brown.

Letter: Residents association needs to show it deserves NOTL’s support

"They need to work for our votes, not become subservient to the existing municipal government," writes Gienek Ksiazkiewicz.

Letter: This community needs your fair reporting

"Please keep pursuing this noble cause and the industry awards I am sure will continue to pile up," writes Cal Cochrane.

Letter: We have to call out questionable behaviour

"While we citizens don’t all have your platform to present our views, we should still make our voices heard and our intentions known," writes Al Sproule.

Letter: Thanks for taking a stand

"Your arguments against bullying are in fact arguments for more democracy at the municipal level, something which is, and will always be, necessary," writes Shirley Worsley.

Letter: Heritage committee’s integrity has been compromised

"Isn't the heritage committe's main function to designate and preserve historical homes and buildings?" writes Tony Giordano.

Letter: CAO’s move a slippery slope to eroding role of the press

"In a time when politicians openly criticize and diminish the media and limit access to information, a free press is our best recourse to hold those in power accountable for their actions," writes Stewart Hall.

Letter: Absence of transparency in this term’s council

"In my opinion (with the exception of two councillors), this town council is the worst council led by Mr. Zalepa, in terms of criticism, public input and the lack of transparency," writes Derek Collins.

Letter: Turner Report should write about all parts of NOTL

"When was the last time that he wrote a column pertaining to an issue involving only Queenston?" writes Ron Fritz.

Letter: We need transparency on pickleball courts closure

"Pickleball is not a nuisance. It is a legitimate, healthy, community-building activity enjoyed by residents of all ages, particularly seniors who depend on it for exercise, social connection, and overall well-being," writes Vince Serratore.

Letter: The deeper you dig, the more complexities with insuring heritage homes

"Understanding the unique challenges of insuring these properties helps us better appreciate the complexities involved in preserving and protecting them and helps place these costs in proper perspective," writes Debra Rowe.

Editorial: Transparency and the role of local media

"The problem with Ruller's actions is they are baseless, misleading and reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a free press," writes editor-in-chief Richard Harley.

Opinion: Closing of Welland’s long-term care home trouble for Niagara’s seniors

"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.

Arch-i-text: Public servants owe us transparency and accountability — and, the Shaw’s towering arrogance

"It is fundamental to the job that the interests of the public are paramount and should be continually demonstrable in day-to-day performance," writes Brian Marshall.

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