Opinion

The Turner Report: So, why would anyone want this job?

"For citizens who can’t add a small porch without a permit (that will likely be denied) ... watching builders and developers raze entire historic structures, erect hulking developments in sensitive areas and enjoy almost-free use of public infrastructure seems wrong," writes Garth Turner.

Ross’s Ramblings: Thinking about Silks Restaurant in downtown Virgil

"Jennifer and Joel run a tight ship. I understand the eatery opened in 1995, and they took over the reins 17 years ago. They have the Midas touch of attracting highly talented, loyal and classy employees," writes Ross Robinson.

Arch-i-text: When it comes to town decisions, it ain’t over until it’s over

Six property owners have filed appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal, stalling and potentially killing the expansion of Old Town's heritage district, writes Brian Marshall.

Shaw review: The art of classical music in a century of transformation

"In the 18th century, instability, wars and social change were the norm," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson. "The function of music socially and politically was to represent the social values held by the royals, the aristocrats and the wealthy bourgeoisie."

Opinion: Our forefathers had the right vision for Niagara. Let’s not lose it

"Earlier Ontarians understood that public ownership, pastoral landscapes, gardens, historical preservation and architecturally serious infrastructure could be forms of economic development," writes Keith McNenly.

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.

The Turner Report: When old is not so beautiful

"It turns out 'heritage' is, in fact, a hated word in the insurance biz, and that only a tiny sliver of companies (called "markets" by brokers) will even consider extending coverage," writes Garth Turner.

Ross’s Ramblings: Reflections on our comfort during a long and cold winter

"This winter, like almost every other winter since we have been keeping accurate and useful meteorological records, has been cold. And this year, really cold," writes Ross Robinson.

Dr. Brown: In search of the earliest stars and galaxies in our universe

"There are limits to what we can know, given that estimates suggest that 95 per cent of the universe is beyond what we can see," writes Dr. William Brown.

Letter: Critical opinions are valuable to NOTL, not damaging

"I don’t understand how criticism, questionings or requests for public documents can encourage abuse, and create an unsafe and disrespectful workplace," writes Gienek Ksiazkiewicz.

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