"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.
"This particular bylaw is ... remarkably flexible — almost to the point of raising the question of whether it will accomplish the protection necessary for a successful study," writes Brian Marshall of a new bylaw meant to halt development in a portion of Old Town for one year.
"A given piece of architecture, whether modest or grand, is a physical representation of the architect’s (or the property owner’s) creative expression, defined by its purpose, and set within — or sometimes in contrast with — the prevailing political, economic and cultural conditions of society," writes Brian Marshall.
"Should so many Canadians have worked themselves into a lather regarding this unfortunate circumstance? Suggesting that a winery be renamed, writing graffiti on walls and defacing an iconic statue in Edmonton. Can we call a truce and come to our Canadian senses?" writes Ross Robinson.
"Everything’s approved these days. Tract houses. Honking big hotels in Old Town. Condos. Towers. Heritage house mutilations. Meanwhile, the housing market’s gone icy. Sales are rare. Prices under pressure," writes Garth Turner.
"Voters are being 'sucker punched' after putting their trust in the Republican Party. The survival of American democracy is once again in the hands of We the people,'" writes Keith McNenly.
For those in the later stages of life dealing with degenerative changes, "sorting out which clinical, radiological and electrodiagnostic features best explain the symptoms can be very challenging," writes Dr. William Brown, "and the reason why surgery to relieve symptoms related to degenerative disease so often fails to relieve symptoms."
"During the growing season, grasses are a very low-maintenance plant that requires little attention. In the spring, though, a little bit of effort is needed to keep your grasses healthy and thriving," writes Joanne Young.
"With the United States freezing activities under the United States Agency for International Development, urgent humanitarian assistance is needed now more than ever," writes Kajanan Dayaparan from Markham.
"It’s unfortunate that most municipalities in Niagara have a very limited list of trees that are suitable for use for streetscape planting purposes. The tree management plan should be a tool that protects and maintains the plant before and after construction," writes John Morley.
"For me, the main ballot question will be: 'Who would be best equipped as prime minister in the next four years to deal with the potentially turbulent times, with respect to relations with the U.S. and the economy?' Realistically, there are two candidates," writes Michael Fox.
"Our various media outlets should be screaming for change. Canadians are fed up being taken as pawns. We deserve more from our elected officials," writes Samuel Young.
"I think our leaders should stop encouraging people to set their hair on fire and double down on determining the real issues and addressing them," writes Mark Brown.
"Does Virgil need 150 more families? Can the developer even flog that many new homes from plans and a sales trailer? Now that we’ve got a new wave of job-sucking Trump tariffs coming on April 2, was the Great Pine Slaughter a tad premature?" writes Garth Turner.
"Interfering with signalling in the peripheral and central nervous systems has serious functional consequences, the effects of which may be masked by the capacity of surviving nerve fibres and nerve cells to carry the load — up to a point," writes Dr. William Brown.
In examining a 2023 study from McMaster University that looked at the corelation between heritage designation and property value, "The authors concluded that heritage-designated properties 'were associated with a positive increase in sale value' and resulted in 'an increase in sale price of residential properties,'" writes Brian Marshall.
"Gerry Whittaker was from another era. Unfailingly kind, humble, highly accomplished in many fields, and a great lover of our Niagara-on-the-Lake," writes Ross Robinson, eulogizing his Chautauqua neighbour, who passed away in February.
"It is essential for our existence to appreciate trees. We must plant them — in yards, cemeteries and public places and along lines and concessions," writes Cynthia Rand.
"Rain gardens slow down the rush of water from these hard surfaces, allowing it to naturally soak into the ground," writes Joanne Young. "For every inch of rain that falls on a surface area of 1,000 square feet, approximately 600 gallons of rainwater are generated."
The upcoming federal election is "vital for the Tories," writes editor emeritus Kevin MacLean, "who hope to gain power, and to the Liberals, who want to revamp and legitimize their party under newly crowned leader Mark Carney."
"It’s gone too far. Every act of resistance is justified. Canada cannot be annexed, occupied or held. Americans made a grave error," writes Garth Turner.
"Your choice may be quite different from mine, but please, put the money into the community, not in retail (it always gets there anyway)," writes Robert Moorhead.
"On occasion, satisfying the criteria contained in this category can be straightforward, in cases wherein the facts are already established ... or self-evident — however, far more often a significant amount of research is required," writes Brian Marshall.
"At age 59, (Mark) Carney has shown little desire to break out of the constraints of his resume. That is of course, aside from leveraging his economic bona fides into the fading world of Net Zero," writes Don Mustill.
"What happened to good old debates, using those good old-fashioned things called facts? Do we even have debate clubs in high schools anymore, or is that too traditional?" writes Susan Gerbes.
