Opinion

The Turner Report: NOTL goes to war — sign war

"Signs matter in this process. They convey a message about the candidate. They remind you who’s running and show who supports them," writes Garth Turner. "Well, what do some of the current signs tell us?"

Arch-i-text: Change vs. the status quo? Notes from the mayoral debate

"In short, we have two candidates who, should they become lord mayor, will support and perpetuate the current system and one candidate who is willing to take what we’ve got and work toward something different," writes Brian Marshall.

Shaw review: Uncovering the strides Jewish women made in theatre

"Who were these famous and groundbreaking Jewish women? What did they have to overcome to succeed? What drove them forward? Ambition, drive, resilience for certain," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.

Ross’s Ramblings: Rick Hansen showed us how much is possible

"Rick Hansen had been paralyzed in a car crash when he was only 15 years old. The years have gone by, and if he had been bilingual English/French, he just might have been the Governor General of Canada. What a life to reflect upon."

Opinion: Royal George rebuild investments a ringing endorsement

"We have to be clear with every level of government — arts and culture are important and they need government support to thrive. Arts, culture and heritage bring people to Niagara-on-the-Lake, but that doesn’t happen by accident," writes Wayne Gates.

Letter: We can’t wait for a coyote attack before taking action

"I would encourage the town to show some common sense and remove or cull every coyote on an ongoing basis to support our community’s safety and to prevent any further ridiculous discussion on this matter," writes Mark Smith.

Letter: NOTLers tried to save Parliament Oak school

"It would be great Old Town still had a public elementary school, but it seems our elected officials decided otherwise a long time ago," writes David Israelson.

Letter: Our frustrations are being ignored

"You should survey the sellers, as I have done. They will give you the answer — and often an earful — on how NOTL has already gone to the dogs," writes Sam Young.

Bottom Line: Retirement savings: Too little? Too much? Too late?

"Even when we rigidly follow a retirement budget, many variables will lead to actual account values differing from plans," writes Steve McGuinness.

Opinion: Must we fall before anyone will help us stand?

"Why are we only supporting people after they’ve gotten hurt? Shouldn’t the right care at the right time be before the injury happens?" writes Carolyn Chandler-Hill.

Growing Together: Add drama and colour with these summer garden showstoppers

"No matter the season, there are always plants that are ready to show off the beauty that lies inside of them and summer is no exception," writes Joanne Young.

Ross’ Ramblings: As cool as the other side of the pillow with Music Niagara

"I felt happy to still be curious, but at the same time, sad because my life has been so lacking in music. I know so little, but am able to lose myself in this world that is so foreign to me," writes Ross Robinson.

Opinion: Ontario is sliding toward a two-tiered, U.S.-style healthcare system

"Year after year, the Conservative government has underinvested in primary care, abandoned rural communities and advanced private clinics at the expense of our public health system. This trend must stop," writes Wayne Gates.

Arch-i-text: From the Royal George to Virgil, planning decisions raise eyebrows in NOTL

"For the sake of the heritage district, town residents and the Shaw, I hope they succeed in tabling a design that will work," writes Brian Marshall of the upcoming Royal George Theatre renovation.

The Turner Report: From NOTL bedsheets to soldiers’ slings

"This is the Niagara Warehouse of Hope. Mary and her squeeze, Ted, started in their garage almost 40 years ago. She now operates out of the big structure a crew of believers built in a single day and ships containers around the world with the help of at least 150 volunteers," writes Garth Turner.

Letter: How the Royal George could be restored without affecting Queen Street

"I humbly submit these solutions to restore and preserve the existing theatre, bring it up to code, and maintain the historic character of Queen Street," writes Yimlei Molly Yep, retired architect.

Letter: Move Virgil’s pickleball court to new Queenston court

"If the town had done its due diligence, it would have found that scores of other municipalities in Canada and the U.S. did studies that resulted, in many cases, in changing plans for location," writes Rick Gallant.

Letter: NOTL is loved for its small-town charm — don’t ruin it

"Why does a rehearsal hall and other amenities have to be built at this location, causing the demolition of three historic homes?" writes Ann Goodin.

Letter: To the man who took two ladders on July 11

"Please, kindly return them to us so we can return them to their rightful owner," writes Fernando Vieira.

Letter: New StopGap ramp program big win for accessibility

"I am confident that participating businesses will not only see increased foot traffic but will also be recognized for their leadership and goodwill in fostering a more inclusive community," writes Cheryl Katz.

Letter: Virgil speed camera’s location may not be reasonable

"40 kilometres an hour, 24-7, all year round, for a school closed for a large portion of that time due to school hours and summer closures doesn’t make sense," writes Charles Goddard.

Letter: Scaling back new Royal George is the way to go

"I hope the festival team will rethink their design for the new theatre. Not the push to make the new space fully accessible and incorporate accessible washrooms ... but the overall look and feel of the facility," writes Terry Davis.

Letter: NOTL needs public, not private, education options

"Royal Oak prides itself on being a community school, but is it really a community when you have to pay to be a part of it?" writes Lauren Bubnič.

Editorial: Speak out against unregulated vacation rentals on July 22

"Niagara-on-the-Lake is not meant to be a town of lockboxes and absentee landlords. It’s a place to live," writes editor-in-chief Richard Harley. "And while tourism is part of that identity, it should not come at the expense of neighbourhoods."

Bottom Line: Our border and the trade wars

"U.S. President Donald Trump, with his focus on trade and tariff negotiations, poses significant threats to our town's economy. Local businesses must adapt quickly to protect profits and jobs," writes Steve McGuinness.

Arts review: Lessons from Shaw’s ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’

"Within this wardrobe is a land of intrigue, adventure and danger that will change their lives forever: Narnia," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.

Ross’ Ramblings: In a sweltering hot summer, let’s talk about ice

"All the stars seemed to have aligned. Terror, temperature and talented people. An enabling microclimate. Wine tourists from around the world, more than willing to open their wallets wide for this sweet treat, to be savoured here or back home, around the world," writes Ross Robinson.

Letter: New Royal George deserves to be a first-class facility

"The design for the theatre is a matter of taste, but it sure beats the Dairy Queen. Also, it enhances the look and feel of the old town by adding some much-needed class," writes Mike Henry.

The Turner Report: Will tourism bring the curtain down on NOTL?

"The Royal George eruption has folks again asking that eternal question: is this a place to live or a theme park for the tourists?" writes Garth Turner.

Letter: Heritage committee has issues with Royal George plan

"What most of the committee realized during the Shaw’s presentation was that the new building was going to destroy heritage houses and turn Victoria Street into a service road for trucks backing into a loading dock," writes Wayne Murray.

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