"A&M are pumping their latest project. It’s a whopper. If the sisters get their way with local politicians (once again), the old Rand Estate will turn into a five-storey, 111-room luxury Ritz-Carlton hotel," writes Garth Turner.
"Should any future council enact an interim control bylaw, underwritten by a duly compliant study, it will be largely legally unassailable," writes Brian Marshall.
"Niagara-on-the-Lake should not be treated as an extension of a 'Vegas North' casino economy. We are not a desert entertainment strip," writes Keith McNenly.
"I have heard that during his 26 years as mayor, Henry Paffard advocated for the planting of over 1,000 trees. By any measure, that’s a lot of limbs and leaves and shade and oxygen. And with trees come squirrels," writes Ross Robinson.
"Regardless of differences of opinion over development projects, I recognize that public discourse should be conducted respectfully and without casting aspersions on others," writes Stewart Hall.
"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.
"Like the flu, COVID is now embedded in the population. That means we can expect continuing mutant versions to emerge, including more lethal versions," writes Dr. William Brown.
"When I have looked on such platforms in anticipation of a potential trip, the options that come up are often quite far from the location I input. One has to sift through the information and carefully look at actual locations as part of the process," writes Tara Abrams.
"Yes, Donald Trump and I both want to get rid of the annually challenging concept of daylight savings time. If you’ll pardon the pun, it’s time," writes Ross Robinson, going on to share, however, some of his less-than-complimentary views of the president-elect.
"The magic of the Christmas season brought together our community to brighten up Christmas for the residents at Pleasant Manor and Niagara Long Term Care," writes Joan King.
"I must admit, as one who grew up on a farm, I love the many “observations” that have been passed down through the generations," writes Joanne Young. "Most of them can be confirmed, scientifically speaking, but at first glance can seem questionable."
"I’d like to begin 2025 by extending my heartfelt gratitude to those who have taken the time out of their busy days to engage with this writer," writes Brian Marshall, sharing some of the feedback he received on his last column of 2024, with some food for thought on climate change action and green infrastructure for the new year.
"If you had your plants outside for the summer months and have brought them back into house this fall, you will see those plants going through a bit of a struggle at this time," writes Joanne Young. She shares how to keep them happy and healthy before spring returns.
