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.

The Turner Report: Wave the flag, hope for the best

"These days 43 per cent of the 11 million people that come into Niagara to spend money come from across the river. Before Trump, that was peachy. With Trump, we understand that for too long we’ve been milking the same cow," writes Garth Turner.

Letter: Keep up the good work — it benefits all of Niagara

"Please do keep up the investigative reporting, the charming local (even sometimes eccentric) articles, the stress to keep your unique heritage. It is all good for Niagara at large," writes Gail Benjafield.

Letter: Difficult questions to consider with Trump’s sovereignty threats

"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.

Arch-i-text: Why urban design and urban planning are not interchangeable

"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.

Growing Together: The art of garden edging

"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.

Letter: Keep us up to date on grocery prices

"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.

Growing Together: Spring has sprung! Soon, your spring bulbs will, too

"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.

Opinion: Signs of times as election race comes down to wire

"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."

Letter: ‘Diastrous’ Glencairn fire took national historic site

"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.

Arch-i-text: Glencairn was an irreplacable part of Canadian history

"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.

Elbows Up: No more shopping in the U.S.

"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."

Letter: Let’s correct some factual errors about Carney’s record

"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 Turner Report: The fire, the phone call and the choice you face

"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.

Ross’ Ramblings: Canadians show true colours and reveal what is important

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.

Letter: Energy East pipeline — good for Canada and for Quebec

"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.

Letter: Ability-wise, Carney stands heads and shoulder above Poilievre

"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.

Dr. Brown: True sciatica and how you know when it’s present

"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.

Letter: One in five Conservatives would vote to join America

"I suspect most readers will regard these figures for Conservative supporters as pretty 'large minorities,'" writes Michael Fox.

Letter: Congrats to your news team on OCNA awards

"Thanks for keeping our community well informed, no matter the view, on what’s going on around us," writes Terry Mactaggart.

Letter: Remembering Glencairn and its Hollywood cameo

"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.

Elbows Up: Pushing back against Trump and MAGA

"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 Turner Report: The Rebs and Super-Z set to clash in NOTL

“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.

Letter: Do you know who your current MP is?

"MP is not an honorary position: MPs are actually expected to do something in representing their constituents in Parliament," writes R. Kirby.

Opinion: Don’t let the darkness enveloping America spread to Canada

"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.

Ross’ Ramblings: The Masters has defined sports and sportsmanship, again

"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.

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