Dear editor:

Niagara-on-the-Lake is indeed a beautiful town and my husband and I have enjoyed living here for the past five years.

However, reading some of the responses to Benny Marotta from both Keith Williams (“Let residents have final say on development plans“) and Sue and Kip Voege (“Marotta’s anger is misdirected“) in The Lake Report dated Nov. 24, makes me wonder.

On several occasions I have heard references to “not wanting people from Brampton here in NOTL.”

And Mr. Williams’ comment that “… SORE and our hard-working former lord mayor’s whole intention was to keep this town from looking like Brampton or Bramalea …” makes me ask what exactly that statement means.

Is this strictly a comment about suburban-style housing developments? Or is this a reference to the people from Brampton?

In spite of the physical beauty of this town, there seems to be much toxicity dwelling here.

I am beginning to wonder who really is welcomed to live in NOTL? I have also wondered about the members of “Save Our Rand Estate.”

“Our” estate? Are they part-owners of the Rand Estate with Mr. Marotta?

Are they members of the Haudenosaunee, who can confidently use the term “our” when referring to land in this country?

Hoping things will change for the better with the new council.

Doreen Bell
NOTL