"Ultimately, the question is not whether a council has enough first-term councillors or veterans. It is whether its members can listen, learn, work together and make thoughtful decisions in the best interests of Niagara-on-the-Lake," writes Robin Cardozo.
"By the time Halloween arrives, Niagara-on-the-Lake's busiest tourist season is winding down. A co-ordinated Halloween celebration could give visitors another reason to come to Old Town," writes Debra Rowe.
"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.
"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.
"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.
"I totally climbed aboard the (Victoria) Mboko bandwagon, cheering for this wonderful tennis player with a positive on-court personality," writes Ross Robinson.
"Whether planted in garden beds or containers, they can lose energy and appear tired or leggy — especially during hot, dry weather," writes Joanne Young.
"By understanding how income on different investments gets taxed, you can enhance your after-tax yields by holding the more tax-advantaged investments outside of your RRSP and tax-free savings account," writes Steve McGuinness.
"We are all in awe when we walk down historic cities or villages in Europe, yet we are totally oblivious to the effort it has taken local communities and administrations to protect what they have," writes Lydia Madonia.
"The site is immediately beside the densest residential area in the Old Town and in a beautiful park, which has a steady stream of walking and biking visitors," writes Catherine Cornell.
"I, for one, appreciate that The Lake Report gives Garth a prime-position soapbox even though I thoroughly disagree with his assessment and conclusions," writes Doug Mepham.
"Residents living on our once quiet town streets, in homes neighbouring unhosted short-term rental sites, complain about irresponsible renting to unruly groups," writes Steve McGuinness.
"Telescope design, whether for space or land-based, manufacture, launch and maintenance, to say nothing of the scientists and engineers involved, are all very expensive," writes Dr. William Brown.
"Grasses can be used as focal points in the garden. Many of the tall or dramatically coloured grasses can be used to draw the eye and anchor garden beds," writes Joanne Young.
In a statement from the Niagara Foundation issued this week, it writes, "We recognize and value the Shaw Festival as a core cultural element and encourage it to be equally respectful of the heritage elements of this town, ensuring the Royal George 'fits' within our heritage district."
"Despite the absurdity of life and perhaps unreached dreams, our aspirations remain, and we can still find magic in the power of language and theatre," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
