"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.
"On more than one occasion, Mr. Trump has stated his view that a large percentage of Canadians want their country to be part of the United States. If he were to act on his delusion, and considering that Trump is very close to being a full-fledged dictator, this could become very dangerous," writes Andrew Henwood.
"It is a fundamental mistake for a municipality to assume that urban planners and urban designers are interchangeable. A city or town must draw upon the expertise of both professions to successfully realize urban development that serves the needs of its residents," writes Brian Marshall.
"Whether you’re creating sharp lines for a contemporary feel or soft curves for a more natural look, a well-edged garden shows attention to detail and care," writes Joanne Young.
"This newspaper, in keeping with its stellar community service record, can enhance its reputation by publishing the "Weekly Price Trend of a Typical Grocery Basket" — for example, milk, bread, eggs, protein, etc," writes Samuel Young.
"After the winter that we had, they have never been more beautiful than ever. There is something about seeing those fresh, green leaves start to push through the ground, only to be followed by the brilliant shades of yellows, reds, pinks and purples," writes Joanne Young.
"With new party leaders, new platforms and the spectre of Donald Trump, past voting patterns might mean little," writes Kevin Maclean. "And while on some streets in urban NOTL, the Kaiser signs outnumber Baldinelli signs six to one, the rural constituency seems far more blue than red."
"I would be surprised that the Porters had not installed fire prevention equipment, as they had professionally restored Glencairn," writes Elizabeth Oliver-Malone from the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts.
"The loss feels like a death — not of a person, but a part of a person vested in a physical symbol of shared heritage. There's simply no excuse," writes Brian Marshall.
"Personally, my wife and I travelled on a weekly basis across the border, specifically grocery shopping, but included other retail shopping," writes Sam Young. "We have discontinued this practice completely and now shop 100 per cent in Canada."
"Carney left his lucrative and not-for-profit work and put assets in a blind trust to run for prime minister because he is deeply committed to creating a better future for all Canadians. His excellent reputation, honesty, experience and expertise can unite us to prevail during the trade wars and diversify," writes Elizabeth Oliver-Malone.
"The 1832 white heritage Queenston gem may be lost. Damage is extensive and the fire marshal is poking around. But the fact folks opposite took quick action when they saw the flames lick says much about the relationship that’s existed for more than a century and a half," writes Garth Turner.
Ahead of Canadians casting their ballots on April 28, Ross Robinson covers his attempt to tune into the French-language federal leaders' debate last week — writing about the trials for English-speaking Canadians in achieving "functional bilingualism" and confusion abound after the last-minute time change of the debate.
"An Energy East pipeline would significantly benefit Canada by diversifying its energy markets, reducing its dependence on U.S. exports, while stimulating economic growth in Eastern Canada," writes Don Mustill.
"You are voting for either Carney, the businessman, or Poilievre, the politician. Government should be run like a business, not for political purposes," writes Gienek Ksiazkiewicz.
"Despite so much muscle, compression of the nerve can still cause symptoms. For example, the nerve may be compressed within the sciatic notch by an enlarged piriformis muscle through which the nerve passes on its way through the notch," writes Dr. William Brown.
"For those readers who want a look inside this once magnificent home, check out the movie 'Red' on Netflix. The house is featured at about the 58-minute mark," writes Laura Cousens.
"I was ticked off by Trump's 51st State baloney that I swiped this wording from a Greenland guy and had eight hats made for my family and friends," says Jim Dandy of his new hat, a parody of the infamous "Make America Great Again" chapeau.
“The problem I see is the government is changing rules (strong mayor) and all we're getting is more housing approved, not built," says Niagara Foundation head Lyle Hall.
"On April 28, Canadians can choose to put aside our regional bickering, reject populist leadership, and elect a prime minister capable of leading Canada through these dark times. We must have a strong national leader who has never been in the thrall of the Trump cult and whose policies do not align with MAGA ideology," writes Keith McNenly.
"Last week was the 89th playing of the Masters. Has there ever been a final day with more drama, more class, and more great and bad shotmaking? Rare double bogeys were not so rare, and emotional swings became almost too much for both spectators on the course and those of us watching on television to handle," writes Ross Robinson.
"A strong national government is critical this time, given the Trump factor/threat. I believe traditional NDP voters' (and independents and "third party" voters, like the Greens, as well) best bet this time is to vote Liberal," writes Rick Kirby.
"So, is it Poilievre? Or is it Carney? Whomever we vote for should be driven by the most reliable information we can obtain, not by propaganda and bluster," writes Michael Fox.
