"Although this level of government has the greatest impact on citizens’ daily lives, it is weak, ineffectual, rudderless and dominated by special interests," writes Garth Turner.
Over the last five centuries, says Frank Lloyd Wright, what humanity has called architecture has been "phony": "It was not innate, it wasn’t organic and it didn’t have the character of nature.”
More than 40 years after the debut of this British farce on the Shaw Festival stage, "One for the Pot" returns with excellent performances that contain the elements needed to make this for-the-masses comedy a laugh riot, writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"As a pretentious British boss of mine said many years ago ... 'I have found that around the world, one can get on with two languages: English, and loud English,'" writes Ross Robinson.
"I provided you with an opportunity to do the right thing, which you have obviously declined to do. Please be advised that I intend to pursue this in the appropriate forum(s)," writes Derek Collins.
"The lord mayor and some councillors defend this padding as prudent to redress a perceived infrastructure deficit. But what will these reserves actually be spent on?" writes Steve McGuinness.
"Even in State College on a very busy weekend, our driver didn’t once ask me for directions. It was out of character for me, but I just sat in the back seat with my mouth shut. He would just glance at his GPS screen and implicitly trust the computers," writes Ross Robinson.
"In 2024, it was obvious just how powerful these computational programs could be for determining the 3D structure of a protein," writes Dr. William Brown.
"As someone directly involved in many of the complex issues presented to city council, Mr. Hummel has a unique understanding of the process and should be considered a source of insightful information," writes Derek Insley.
"What Mr. Hummel seems to be saying is that the NOTL council should agree to the amendments that are requested by them, or be prepared to defend against expensive lawsuits," writes Derek Collins.
"Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is the definition of — in this instance, very costly — stupidity," writes Daphne Lavers.
"Council has made unpopular development decisions before, but it appears to be playing this one more carefully. Let’s hope they’re listening," writes David Israelson.
"Fresh greenery is scarce and overpriced (due to the fires), as a nonprofit, we cannot afford to purchase fresh boughs. We’re hoping to source from NOTL properties — we donate 100 per cent to animal rescue," writes Tanya Rice.
"As a local photographer who often documents the heritage and beauty of Niagara-on-the-Lake, receiving this flag feels like a full-circle moment," writes Dave van de Laar.
"We are being asked to accept the partial destruction of the Queen-Picton heritage district’s place identity on the very questionable altar of a cultural institution’s ask," writes Brian Marshall.
"The buyer of a $1.9-million house needs $400,000 in cash and an income of about $220,000 to handle the $8,400 monthly mortgage payment, plus property tax and utilities. Ouch," writes Garth Turner.
"It takes villages, towns and cities of scientists working together, whether directly or simply by sharing insights and data, to make most science work in our time," writes Dr. William Brown.
The following column was written by the late Joanne Young, garden expert and coach, and was originally published in the Oct. 5, 2023 edition of The Lake Report.
"When only 16, Maria fled her homeland in 1944 to Germany, sometimes riding with all their belongings in a horse-drawn carriage. A tough life happened during and after the Second World War," writes Ross Robinson.
"If you choose candidates who promise quick fixes or politically motivated crusades, don’t be surprised when the law catches up and the bill arrives at your doorstep," writes Rainer Hummel.
"Preservation is not nostalgia. It is an act of respect — for the people who came before us, and for the generations who will follow," write the Friends of Laura Secord.
"Now people who flock to see old, quaint, authentic and irreplaceable architecture are greeted by a fine example of the Mississauga Industrial school of design," writes Garth Turner.
"Properly executed, the restoration of this vital and unique piece of heritage will stand as a lasting legacy bequeathed to all Canadians," writes Brian Marshall of the restoration of the David Secord House.
"Bradley’s political style was as effective as his personal style was, well, dull. He was modest, polite, thoughtful and hardly ever used the teacher voice he had at his disposal. He didn’t need to," writes David Israelson.
The following column was written by the late Joanne Young, garden expert and coach, and was originally published in the Nov. 7, 2024 edition of The Lake Report.
