"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.
In this week's edition of Arch-i-text, Brian Marshall outlines how a municipality may directly intervene to bring a property into the provincially required standards under the Building Code Act.
"I believe our town does not know how to budget, does not know how to look at where wasteful spending is taking place and does not seem to hire based on merit. And every year, it gets worse," writes Susan Pohorly.
"In Canada, we are not allowed to shut down power to anyone in the middle of winter. What reaction do you think there would be should Canada take similar action against the U.S. this winter? A clear and present danger of freezing to death?" writes Daphne Lavers.
For gardeners who have been working on adding to their outdoor space but feel dissatisfied with the results, what is missing is the sense of flow, writes Joanne Young: "It is the sense of flow that creates unity and peacefulness in the landscape."
"So much of life is controlled by our reactions, especially when something beyond our control has affected us. Even the smallest thing can be remembered and can have a positive or negative influence on the rest of our lives," writes Ross Robinson.
"What’s worse than NOTL becoming a theme park? Why, turning into a cartel, of course. David Gilchrist says it’s already here, aided by the bandidos at town hall," writes Garth Turner.
"Clearly, the province has recognized the serious nature of a conviction under the building code and has provided a sledgehammer to enforce it but, far too often, municipalities have bypassed the sledgehammer in favour of a fly swatter," writes Brian Marshall.
"I would suggest that the combination of unsustainable tax increases and no serious attempts to reign in spending represents a financial crisis," writes Jonathan Household.
"The biggest piece of advice that I can give you is to do your homework. It pays to invest in a designer who will take all of your wishes and needs and fit them into your space," writes Joanne Young.
"Our identity will not be enhanced with the retention or addition of more outdoor patios along Queen Street. With no plans in place as to how many curbside patios should be permitted along Queen Street, things will only get worse. Plain and simple," writes John Morley.
"Is the lord mayor suggesting that if we as residents, have a personal agenda, and want certain things accomplished, we can only do so by being on council?" writes Buddy Andres.
The possible transmission of H5N1, also known as bird flu, into the human population, and then from human to human, "would put us a risk for a second pandemic in less than a decade, and this time, the political climate has changed and might hobble our response to a possible pandemic," writes Dr. Brown.
"Some developers appear to be using their wealth to purchase undue influence with the provincial politicians that control the tribunal. This increases the perception that the playing field is not level," writes Steve McGuinness.
With Willow Cakes & Pastries closing its brick-and-mortar store on Mary Street at the end of this month, Brian Emes shares a poem he wrote in pre-COVID times to the beloved local bakery.
"Residents of NOTL understand that tourism is a contributing factor to life here and support a shared approach — however, tourism has to be well managed and that depends on the town council," writes Jackie Bonic.
"With the threat of Trump's tariffs looming over our economy, we need a Team Ontario approach, working together across party lines to stand up to Trump’s tariffs," writes MPP Wayne Gates.
"Standing at the back of the room in the St. Davids Fire Hall, from what I could understand, competing interests seem to be pointing fingers at each other. He said, she said," writes Ross Robinson.
"On behalf of the General Nelles Branch 124 Royal Canadian Legion, entering into 2025, I would like to reflect on, and with the executive committee, thank the many people that made 2024 a very good year for our branch," writes Allan Howse.
"Canada is a free country, making our own decisions as citizens and forging our own democratic path in the world. Exchange independence for two of 100 seats in an undemocratic U.S. Senate? The 51st state indeed," writes Keith McNenly.
"Is bowing to tourism why people are encouraged to buy houses, flip them into motels, shrinking the supply of homes and creating businesses that don’t pay business taxes?" writes Garth Turner.
"There has now existed for several years a tinder box of dead trees and undergrowth, just waiting to be ignited by a strong wind and a little spark, random or malevolent," writes Richard Baker.
Columnist Brian Marshall will spend the next few weeks examining the options available to municipal authorities for protecting heritage properties, starting with a bylaw called "The Standards for the Maintenance and Occupany of Property," which "provides the criteria for maintenance of all properties located within the municipal boundaries of Niagara-on-the-Lake," writes Marshall.
"I have always held that political dynasties are dangerous for democracy. The fault was definitely with the Liberal party for flattering Trudeau into believing he would be a good prime minister," writes Jackie Bonic.
"When it comes to improving your home’s curb appeal, the walkway that leads up to the front door is one of the best places to spend some time and effort," writes Joanne Young.
