Opinion

The Turner Report: NOTL’s choice, from blackjack to tarmac

"Add it up: The airport. The bridge. The bag money being thrown around. The unwarranted edifices like Parliament Oak or the Rand Ritz-Carlton ... Goettler sees a plot," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: A better world is possible when we embrace change

"As a collective, we fall into the rut of repeating the past simply because it is familiar and comfortable. But, then there are those who step out and create new and wonderful alternatives," writes Brian Marshall.

Shaw review: Exploring the enchanting and diverse world of puppets

A fascination that likely began when humans first created shadow images on caves in ancient times, puppets have survived millenniums as a storytelling device popular around the world, writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.

Ross’s Ramblings: Magic of Motown alive again at Music Niagara’s latest show

"The Undercovers entertained us with their rich harmonies and signature style, but the value added was the education. So many facts provided in their soulful storytelling," writes Ross Robinson.

Dr. Brown: First chess, now table tennis: Is AI coming for our sports?

"It will take a long time for engineers to create a robot capable of playing a musical instrument ... Just don’t expect a robot to play tennis anytime soon," writes Dr. William Brown.

Letter: Deliberate actions of last term of council led to lawsuits

"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.

Letter: Saving the David Secord House: A community’s responsibility

"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.

Letter: Speed bumps, not cameras, are the way to go

"I’m talking about speed bumps that will take out your transmission and wreck your car if you don’t slow down," writes Jackie Bonic.

Letter: It’s NOTL’s citizens who deserve more respect

"It is the common citizens who deserve respect and should be putting such a motion forward first," writes Peter Rusin.

The Turner Report: The battles we’re losing in Old Town

"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.

Arch-i-text: On delegations, the David Secord House and Parliament Oak’s permit

"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.

Opinion: Jim Bradley’s legacy is everywhere you look in Ontario

"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.

Growing Together: The natural beauty of Niagara in autumn

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.

Bottom Line: Conflicts grow like weeds between the vines

"Outdoor event hosting is the flashpoint in an ongoing dispute between a local winery and its farm neighbour," writes Steve McGuinness.

Letter: The knives are out early

"It seems to me in the last election cycle, the knives didn't come out until later in the year or early 2022," writes Bob Bader.

Ross’s Ramblings: The nothwithstanding clause manages to flummox almost all Canadians

"Understanding the recently regularly mentioned notwithstanding clause had never been a priority in my life," writes Ross Robinson. "It's pretty dry stuff."

Dr. Brown: Exceptional, yet dangerous: the human story so far

"Unfortunately, for all our cleverness, and growing control over nature, humans have failed to develop equivalent wisdom," writes Dr. William Brown.

Letter: In response to the ‘amusement park’ letter

"This council marches to its own drummer — to hell with their constituents' opinions, which oftimes have been supported by professional, well-documented solutions," writes Samuel Young.

Letter: We should have public playgrounds for all ages — look at Europe

"Even now, when we cross the pond, we often find in other countries, along paths and beaches, equipment painted in joyous colours that invite fun," writes Kathy Belicki.

Ross’s Ramblings: Is our NOTL an accidental dichotomy?

"We seem to be living in the midst of so much angry emotion. Can we please give our heads a shake?" writes Ross Robinson.

The Turner Report: The wall, the hotel and the hope

"This is the Old Town’s new signature gateway project. And some people wonder what the heck went wrong with our planning process. How did we turn into Mississauga?" writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: Make your voice heard on out-of-control development practices

"As citizens, we have only two formal venues through which we can express our opinion. The first is our vote, once every four years. The second is through our voice," writes Brian Marshall.

Dr. Brown: China: soon to be number one in science

"These days, China is imitating what worked in the West for success in business and science by instituting major changes to its political and managerial system to create the right combination of atmosphere, encouragement and support to develop science within China," writes Dr. William Brown.

Letter: Municipal heritage committee missed the mark

"When the festival’s plans come to fruition, a phony wall will stand in the place of the Royal George’s existing façade, and the streetscape of both Victoria and Queen streets will, in my view, be negatively changed," writes Terry Davis.

Letter: Charlie Kirk’s death and America’s constitutional rights

"Charlie was exercising his First Amendment right: the right to free speech, while his cowardly killer will most likely die exercising his Second Amendment right: the right to bear arms," writes Samuel Young.

Letter: Never taking no for an answer

"In my opinion, the current attempt by Mr. Marotta to impose his will on others regardless is just another example of his well-known attitude toward the residents of NOTL," writes Derek Collins.

Letter: Migrant workers’ issues are systemic, not just product of bad actors

"As a community that prides itself on our farms and vineyards, we should show that same pride by standing alongside the workers who make it possible and by defending their right to dignity, safety and fairness without exception," writes Alissa O'Halloran.

Letter: Charlotte Street needs a three-way stop

"Charlotte Street highway: a shortcut into town. Drive as fast as you can. Nobody cares; the town certainly doesn’t, they are too busy catering to the tourists," writes Tom King.

Bottom Line: Tax vultures circle above grounded snowbird

"If you own any foreign property you’re considering selling, you may want to eavesdrop on my advice to Maggie," writes Steve McGuinness, sharing some insight into the various taxes sellers of foreign property have to look forward to — namely, Canadians with a home south of the border.

Bottom Line: Alarming planning activities abound in Niagara-on-the-Lake

"We require more applicant identity clarity to assess whether the neighbours are truly acting at arms’ length," writes Steve McGuinness.

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