"We have no shortage of issues that will affect our futures, but may I humbly and respectfully request that we all take a few deep breaths?" writes Ross Robinson.
"Metered parking is enforced for 3,340 hours a year, meaning the annual maximum revenue is $18,370 per space at full utilization," writes Steve McGuinness.
"Depending on the version, ChatGPT was trained on millions to trillions of times more data than was used in this simple model. That’s where ChatGPT gets its information and power," writes Dr. William Brown.
"Here in Niagara-on-the-Lake, apparently aided and abetted by several of our elected 'representatives,' this narrative has been successfully played out again and again over the term of the current council," writes Brian Marshall.
"People respond with anger, aggression and the need to lash out when they’re insecure and under threat. Not by an old dude with a dodgy leg, but by circumstances," writes Garth Turner.
"These revolting developments in Niagara-on-the-Lake are such blatant examples of functional illiteracy in the pursuit of billions that they need to be held up in front of the faces of the voters of Ontario," writes Kevin McCabe.
"One day, his voice will fall silent — and when it does, we will miss that which completed our picture-perfect postcard and how deeply it was woven into the spirit of this town," writes Debra Rowe.
"These core principles are neglected, ignored or improperly applied by far too many practicing architects and results in poor designs which, if constructed, assault the public's senses with inferior built architecture," writes Brian Marshall.
"Urbanites may not get this, but in much of Canada, the post office is Canada. The sole, identifiable, enduring and working link to the federal government. Once that is shuttered, the bond dies," writes Garth Turner.
The following column was written by the late Joanne Young, garden expert and coach, and was originally published in the Sept. 8, 2022 edition of The Lake Report.
"The lord mayor and some councillors defend this padding as prudent to redress a perceived infrastructure deficit. But what will these reserves actually be spent on?" writes Steve McGuinness.
"Even in State College on a very busy weekend, our driver didn’t once ask me for directions. It was out of character for me, but I just sat in the back seat with my mouth shut. He would just glance at his GPS screen and implicitly trust the computers," writes Ross Robinson.
"In 2024, it was obvious just how powerful these computational programs could be for determining the 3D structure of a protein," writes Dr. William Brown.
"As someone directly involved in many of the complex issues presented to city council, Mr. Hummel has a unique understanding of the process and should be considered a source of insightful information," writes Derek Insley.
"What Mr. Hummel seems to be saying is that the NOTL council should agree to the amendments that are requested by them, or be prepared to defend against expensive lawsuits," writes Derek Collins.
"Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is the definition of — in this instance, very costly — stupidity," writes Daphne Lavers.
"Council has made unpopular development decisions before, but it appears to be playing this one more carefully. Let’s hope they’re listening," writes David Israelson.
"Fresh greenery is scarce and overpriced (due to the fires), as a nonprofit, we cannot afford to purchase fresh boughs. We’re hoping to source from NOTL properties — we donate 100 per cent to animal rescue," writes Tanya Rice.
"As a local photographer who often documents the heritage and beauty of Niagara-on-the-Lake, receiving this flag feels like a full-circle moment," writes Dave van de Laar.
"We are being asked to accept the partial destruction of the Queen-Picton heritage district’s place identity on the very questionable altar of a cultural institution’s ask," writes Brian Marshall.
"The buyer of a $1.9-million house needs $400,000 in cash and an income of about $220,000 to handle the $8,400 monthly mortgage payment, plus property tax and utilities. Ouch," writes Garth Turner.
"It takes villages, towns and cities of scientists working together, whether directly or simply by sharing insights and data, to make most science work in our time," writes Dr. William Brown.
The following column was written by the late Joanne Young, garden expert and coach, and was originally published in the Oct. 5, 2023 edition of The Lake Report.
"When only 16, Maria fled her homeland in 1944 to Germany, sometimes riding with all their belongings in a horse-drawn carriage. A tough life happened during and after the Second World War," writes Ross Robinson.
"If you choose candidates who promise quick fixes or politically motivated crusades, don’t be surprised when the law catches up and the bill arrives at your doorstep," writes Rainer Hummel.
"Preservation is not nostalgia. It is an act of respect — for the people who came before us, and for the generations who will follow," write the Friends of Laura Secord.
