"I am struggling to see through the words that the candidates publish in their campaign materials (“responsible development,” “resident-first government,” “heritage preservation”) to determine how they will vote on the critical issues that will come before council over the next four years," writes John Foreman.
"Wiens says absolute no to amalgamation, but two years ago, there he was ... feting and supporting Doug Ford’s election, who, it turns out, is hell-bent on dismantling NOTL government in favour of amalgamating us into a megalopolis," writes Bob Bader.
"We must elect a mayor who will bring their own style of leadership, building on what the current council has achieved, protect our beloved town from amalgamation and position us for the future. That mayor is Erwin Wiens," writes Peter Warrack.
"Let's ensure the province hears loud and clear that Niagara-on-the-Lake's history, economy and future cannot be reduced to a rounding error," writes Judith Barnes.
"When we vote for our next lord mayor or local councillors, consider who will have the courage to make the bold quantum leap changes needed to address the affordability crisis," Harry Schlange.
"We’ve got a lot of work to do, but the bright side is this: The threat from the south has unified us to a new level. The great majority of us agree on what we don’t want," writes Andrew Henwood.
"Simply put, the school can no longer meet the needs of the community as it stands today, let alone accommodate the growth this new development represents," writes Andrew Stewart.
"We have a dysfunctional council with an inept mayor at the helm. Get rid of Zalepa — I refuse to pay any more tax increases because of this dope," writes Peter Rusin.
"NOTL Hydro is fully aware that the number of outages has been much higher than normal, starting last summer. Increasing the tree-trimming budget and activity is one of the actions being taken to try to reduce outages," writes Tim Curtis, president and CEO of NOTL Hydro.
"This seems like the perfect opportunity to reach out and voice our appreciation to everyone involved with last week’s Niagara-on-the-Lake In Bloom," writes Ross Robinson. "It was marvellous to be a tiny part of such an artistic, cultural and financial triumph."
"A decline in earthworm populations due to hammerhead worms can negatively affect agriculture, gardens and ecosystems. We need to be diligent in controlling this invasive species if we want to keep it at bay," writes Joanne Young.
"I am wearing my 'I AM CANADIAN' t-shirt, which is 25 years old. I hope the Molson's Canadian beer company will start putting their 'I AM CANADIAN' flags in their beer cases again (I have two of them flying in my front yard)," writes Betty Ann Chandler.
"My concern is this: If we cannot even trust the candidate to make sure a simple sign rule is obeyed, how can we trust that important issued are handled honestly" writes Susan Pohorly.
"We avoid discussing the situation, but an existential threat is upon us. Not long ago, I didn’t really understand what an existential threat was, but every day now we learn more," writes Ross Robinson.
"The recent re-election of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government will usher in a host of tax and policy changes that could impact Canadians’ wallets. Some measures will take effect almost immediately, while others must await the passage of a federal budget, expected after the King delivers the throne speech on May 27," writes Steve McGuinness, in a new column for The Lake Report, "Bottom Line."
"Whether you want to retain NOTL as an idyllic place to live and wish we could pull up the drawbridge to keep outsiders away, or you embrace it as "wine country" ... the reality is our wee town is growing, it is changing and it will never be what it once was," writes editor emeritus Kevin MacLean.
"Is this a good development for NOTL, or does it polarize us? Is endorsing candidates useful, or cause conflict and strife? Does the rebel movement suggest we need improvement in the way this place is run? And will you attend the meeting?" writes Garth Turner.
"I have been distributing a letter to my shoreline neighbours, asking if they would consider flying a Canadian flag facing the riverside. Responses have been overwhelmingly positive," writes Jackie Kevill.
"These are substantial powers that shift the balance away from consensus-based decision-making — something that has long been a hallmark of good governance in small towns like Niagara-on-the-Lake," writes MPP Wayne Gates.
"While taking a while to settle, after 15 years or so, the newly enlightened America might have stabilized under three new parties. The population would hopefully have found benefit in the changes," writes Andrew Henwood.
"It is in the interest of basic transparency and the taxpaying residents of NOTL who have a right to know who is paying for this," writes Derek Collins.
"Commonwealth leaders from Australia, etc. would send a resounding signal of Canadian support to remain free of our southern neighbours and further bolster the passions of all," writes Samuel Young.
"These two designs, festooned with kitschy representations of local history or agriculture, will surely have exactly the opposite effect, distracting drivers from the need to focus on their driving,"writes James Webber.
"If you suspect or find an infestation, dispose of contaminated soil in plastic bags in the garbage, destroy worms by freezing them, and rinse the roots of plants," writes Joanne Young.
"Any review panel composed of members from outside the municipality will lack "skin in the game" and a personal understanding of the history, built character and design vision necessary to ensure their recommendations are not simply an academic expression unaligned with the wishes and desires of the established community," writes Brian Marshall.
"Coast to coast, somehow this organization battles the domineering and slow marching curse of demographics, providing leadership as 'We Will Remember Them,'" writes Ross Robinson, covering this year's annual general meeting at Legion Branch 124 in NOTL.
"As Canadians, we (and our leaders) need to set aside divisions, to fight collectively for what is best for our nation, to work together to help those in our society who need it most — and to build a stronger Canada that can withstand the winds of Trumpian blustering while boosting opportunities and making life safer and more affordable for all," writes Kevin MacLean.
"The weather in Crete was sunny and English is widely spoken. We were greeted warmly and there was some recognition of our Canadian challenges with Trump and the 51st state rhetoric," writes Judy McLeod.
"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.
