"For citizens who can’t add a small porch without a permit (that will likely be denied) ... watching builders and developers raze entire historic structures, erect hulking developments in sensitive areas and enjoy almost-free use of public infrastructure seems wrong," writes Garth Turner.
"Jennifer and Joel run a tight ship. I understand the eatery opened in 1995, and they took over the reins 17 years ago. They have the Midas touch of attracting highly talented, loyal and classy employees," writes Ross Robinson.
Six property owners have filed appeals to the Ontario Land Tribunal, stalling and potentially killing the expansion of Old Town's heritage district, writes Brian Marshall.
"In the 18th century, instability, wars and social change were the norm," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson. "The function of music socially and politically was to represent the social values held by the royals, the aristocrats and the wealthy bourgeoisie."
"Earlier Ontarians understood that public ownership, pastoral landscapes, gardens, historical preservation and architecturally serious infrastructure could be forms of economic development," writes Keith McNenly.
"Here’s a really novel concept. If you don’t want to attend, don’t. If you don’t like certain music, don’t listen to it. If you don’t like a certain food, don’t eat it."
"On Queen Street, I heard the same story everywhere. The Americans were mortified. Apparently, nobody who comes here from the U.S. voted for that guy. Or will admit it," writes Garth Turner.
"Hospitality, viticulture and agriculture are the career choices of a comparable few, not the many. The town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has focused for so long and with single-minded purpose on tourism that it has largely become a single-source economy," writes Brian Marshall.
With quality performances from its two leads, superb production value and creative direction from Philip Akin, Adrienne Kennedy's story of love and betrayal is well-realized at the Shaw, writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"Senior researchers sometimes have advantages," writes Dr. William Brown, "However, those same laboratories can be stifling for budding young scientists who challenge traditional views and are open to fresh ideas."
"Regardless of who becomes mayor, residents should consider whether the council they elect will have the capacity to exercise independent judgment," writes Al Bisback.
"To understand this in simple terms, we have a big hole (Parliament Oak). Water flows drawn by gravity, i.e. into the hole, not the other way around," writes Bonita Cawker.
"Tourism should serve Niagara-on-the-Lake — not require Niagara-on-the-Lake to be redesigned for an unlimited number of tourists," writes Bruce Gitelman.
"As with Trump, the goal is to be the most recognizable presence out there, as well as being in position to manipulate the public agenda. In which case, actual problems and actual realities never have to be addressed," writes Kevin McCabe.
"Fallout from the Big Soak continues. This goes to the heart of governance issues. If we can’t trust our reps to deal with stuff like flooding or police the voracious developers in our midst, maybe it’s time to get some new ones," writes Garth Turner.
"I left feeling detached, that form had superseded content, that the visceral theatricality that Shaffer so brilliantly offers by his gifts of storytelling had been denied," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.
"Yellow school buses? Not even a factor back then in Canadian school districts where we lived. Now, a logistical miracle that inconceivably transpires every school day morning," writes Ross Robinson.
"We have seen the lack of courage in the U.S. Congress and Senate to control the administration so many times it hurts. So, it falls to Canada to check Trump's bizarre behaviour towards what used to be their closest friend and ally," writes J. Richard Wright.
"By refusing to cave to a coercive regime, Canada provides a vital external anchor, just across the shared border, for American citizens who find themselves trapped under a dictatorial minority rule," writes Keith McNenly.
"It will take a long time for engineers to create a robot capable of playing a musical instrument ... Just don’t expect a robot to play tennis anytime soon," writes Dr. William Brown.
