"Without hard boundaries including progressive taxation and dissolution of monopolies, oligarchy will continue to deconstruct society until elections, law, and truth become historical artifacts," writes Keith McNenly.
"The economy has flatlined. Trump’s war went badly. Inflation is back, so interest rates won’t be falling ... But people still want houses. And, of course, everyone wants to live here," writes Garth Turner.
"Any correctly thinking council — one that represents the good of the town and its residents as opposed to commercial real estate investors — would support proper controls and a cap on the short-term rental market," writes Brian Marshall.
"The relatively sudden demise of a once-accepted part of our lives, almost instantly replaced by handheld devices that mostly pass the time in our pockets," writes Ross Robinson.
"Why stop at 70 kilometres an hour limits? What are the statistics that made council do this? How many died in NOTL auto accidents?" writes Lorne White.
"Property taxes are a housing expense directly controlled by municipalities. The town portion of our residential tax bills has increased at multiples of inflation (a 24 per cent compound rate) during this council term," writes Steve McGuinness.
"It is so rewarding to be able to grow your own food. I grew up on a farm — every year, we planted a large garden that would feed my family of eight for the entire winter," writes Joanne Young.
"I encourage residents to remain engaged and vocal in local decision-making. That civic energy is one of the greatest strengths of our town," writes Adriana Vizzari.
"Tourism will always be a vital part of our local economy, but unchecked special events risk undermining the very character of our town," writes Ed Werner.
"How many other developments in Niagara-on-the-Lake have been approved without the full adequacy of the supporting infrastructure?" writes Gienek Ksiazkiewicz.
"In the 1950s, the federal government recognized that aviation could be an important part of the development of the Niagara Peninsula," writes Kenn Moody.
"Are flights on a major air carrier more of a vital commodity than mail delivery in 2025? When does a public service cross over the line from necessary to essential?" writes Steve McGuinness.
"There is an extremely disturbing trend in this province directed at marginalizing, diminishing or outright destruction of our shared history, built heritage and cultural landscapes," writes Brian Marshall.
"Please, bring back the Spiegeltent in whatever future form it may take and do plan more of these innovative, imaginative offerings. Let's have more opportunities to tap, swing and lift our spirits," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"NOTL ain’t TN. This is paradise. Everybody wants to be here, right?" writes Garth Turner. "But wait. We also have a weird market. And some people are being clobbered by it."
"This project is more than bricks and mortar — it’s an investment in our economy, our community spirit, and our cultural future," writes Allan Bisback.
"I was given a tour of the infrastructure work being done in west St. Catharines, preparing for the commencement of the magic pill that will be GO Train service to Niagara," writes Ross Robinson. "I was attentive and polite, but very skeptical."
"Studies show that being around trees and green spaces improves your overall mental well-being," writes Joanne Young. "Spending time with trees is time well spent."
"The Chamber is so stubborn to continue with promotional activities instead of solidly encouraging the formation of a BIA (business improvement area) like the rest of the province’s towns," writes Mary Gallagher.
"The people of this community deserve facts, not fearmongering, about the future of their health care," writes Jake Sinke, president of the Niagara Falls PC Riding Association.
The words 'will be developed' and "will be considered" have very different meanings. The former is a commitment and the latter an option. This change in language in the draft official plan is unacceptable," writes Kate Sullivan.
"I live near the roundabout in Virgil, directly under a flight path ... As things are today, it’s quite tolerable," writes Eric Lehtinen. "The thought of more and bigger planes using the airport at regular intervals is simply unendurable."
"Unhosted short-term rentals are a bad idea. Period. Most municipalities in Canada have banned them. Having an Airbnb unit in your house is far different from buying a property and operating a ghost hotel with nobody living there full-time," writes Garth Turner.
"The more public input that is provided at this juncture, the more likely it is that staff — principally Fiona Main, senior policy planner — will be able to meet their published timeline," writes Brian Marshall, in the first of a series of columns analyzing the town's latest official plan draft.
"In 'Major Barbara' of the Salvation Army, we hear the voices of Victorian women aspiring to liberation, to work, to earn money and have the right to social, political, legal and gender equality," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"Given the high-tech nature of this telescope and wide window on the universe the Rubin telescope provides, we should get answers to many puzzling questions within the decade," writes Dr. William Brown.
