Dear editor:

In a letter to the editor published by TLR a few weeks ago, a writer from Old Town expressed his opinion concerning various problems that currently exist in NOTL (“Stop manufacturing the parking problem,” Bruce Giterman, Sept. 3, 2026). This was his personal opinion only, but it is, in my opinion, valid and one that I largely share, and probably many other residents of NOTL do as well.

As the letter points out, the purpose of tourism, while subject to opinion and debate, is certainly not to cater to more ice cream day visitors and their cars. I would agree that on certain days and at certain times of the year there are far too many of both already. And now we also have a merchant standing on the Queen Street sidewalk soliciting everyone to enter his store and buy his soaps. This behaviour is completely out of character with that of the heritage district of NOTL that has been built over many years.

The expansion of NOTL is inevitable, and many would probably say it is good for all of us. However, elected government, as well as tourism agencies, must consider limits and the needs and opinions of local residents before any others.

Many visitors come here largely because of the unique reputation and character that have been well established in NOTL and what it has to offer them — theatre, wineries, natural beauty, etc. In my opinion, there should be no need to actively encourage more of the same. Such encouragement will only be to the ultimate benefit of a few entrepreneurs and not local residents.

Derek Collins
NOTL