Opinion

The Turner Report: So, why would anyone want this job?

"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.

Ross’s Ramblings: Thinking about Silks Restaurant in downtown Virgil

"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.

Arch-i-text: When it comes to town decisions, it ain’t over until it’s over

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.

Shaw review: The art of classical music in a century of transformation

"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."

Opinion: Our forefathers had the right vision for Niagara. Let’s not lose it

"Earlier Ontarians understood that public ownership, pastoral landscapes, gardens, historical preservation and architecturally serious infrastructure could be forms of economic development," writes Keith McNenly.

Letter: Airport expansion bad news for us and our environment

"Why does it seem that the needs of people who live here are subordinate to the people politicians desire to attract?" writes Dan Brown.

Letter: We need bold, new ideas for how to keep NOTL livable

"As a resident, there is a pressing need to focus on both maintaining and updating our infrastructure, implementing climate adaptation strategies and providing services to a growing population," writes Ruth Denyer.

Opinion: Who will really govern Niagara-on-the-Lake after this fall’s election?

"Many Niagara-on-the-Lake residents may be unaware that this year's municipal election could fundamentally change how decisions are made in their community," writes the NOTL Residents Association.

The Turner Report: NOTL’s choice, from blackjack to tarmac

"Add it up: The airport. The bridge. The bag money being thrown around. The unwarranted edifices like Parliament Oak or the Rand Ritz-Carlton ... Goettler sees a plot," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: A better world is possible when we embrace change

"As a collective, we fall into the rut of repeating the past simply because it is familiar and comfortable. But, then there are those who step out and create new and wonderful alternatives," writes Brian Marshall.

Shaw review: Exploring the enchanting and diverse world of puppets

A fascination that likely began when humans first created shadow images on caves in ancient times, puppets have survived millenniums as a storytelling device popular around the world, writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.

Ross’s Ramblings: Magic of Motown alive again at Music Niagara’s latest show

"The Undercovers entertained us with their rich harmonies and signature style, but the value added was the education. So many facts provided in their soulful storytelling," writes Ross Robinson.

Letter: How do we measure what makes a good leader?

"As our local election draws closer, I (and no doubt many others) am asking what candidates am I prepared to vote for. What characteristics should my choices demonstrate? How would they likely behave as lord mayor or councillor?" writes Terry Mactaggart.

Letter: Climate change needs to be on the election campaign agenda

"I looked at all the candidates' platforms, and only two of them even mention the word 'environmental.' This strikes me as wildly out of touch," writes Tara Rosling.

Letter: What are the disadvantages of an emergency declaration?

"Shouldn’t residents, particularly those who have suffered flood damage, be told what those disadvantages are, and why they led to the NOTL official position on the subject?" writes Robin Cardozo.

The Turner Report: Storms remind us who town’s real Ruller is

"Democracy takes a hit when the one assuming that role refuses to speak on the record, be interviewed, or allow underlings to comment," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: Our stormwater drains and ponds need proper care

"Without proper maintenance," writes Brian Marshall, "in a short period of time, a drain can lose its effectiveness to manage water and help to prevent flooding."

Shaw review: Once maligned, author Edna Ferber shines again

"She sought unusual locations where ordinary people built empires against the odds and where strong, smart women overcame gender, convention and adversity," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.

Dr. Brown: In anti-aging quest, the brain is the biggest obstacle

"Rejuvenating the brain might hold the line or possibly slow decline a bit, but not return our brain back to where it was when we were 20. That’s way beyond the science as it exists," writes Dr. William Brown.

Ross’s Ramblings: Legion rises above adversity after last week’s flood

For many NOTLers, for many years, “the Legion” has been a social constant. Of course, for some of us, more of a constant than...

Letter: Province should support flood relief in Niagara

"To add storm water ditches, culverts, drainage so this doesn't happen again is a major investment. If it not done, then it will be impossible to get flood insurance in NOTL," writes Malcolm Newton.

Letter: Stormwater drains need to be maintained

"It should be a simple concept: to mitigate flooding, keep the flood gates in order, and the waterways, drains and ditches, designed to carry away flood water, clear of impediments so that water can flow unobstructed," writes Madis Tambre.

Letter: Disappointing state of affairs at this year’s Peach Festival

"I guess it was money-maker for the Chamber of Commerce — draw a crowd without investing in quality or great entertainment," writes Judy McLeod.

Letter: Whether driver, pedestrian or cyclist, we should all be courteous

"The reality is that every one of us is, at different times, a driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian. We all benefit when our roads are safer," writes Frank Hayes.

Letter: Let’s measure councillors’ success by their achieved goals

"The assessment of one’s performance becomes more credible when weighed by third party. To state the obvious," writes Philippe Borel.

Letter: An opportunity for NOTL to support pickleball

"This is not simply about pickleball. It is about investing in the health, well-being and quality of life of our community," writes Ron Pychel.

The Turner Report: After the big storm, the big flush

"The storms helped us face facts. A massive assault on the sewer system should have been disclosed — before the toilets burped, sump pumps were overcome and basements filled," writes Garth Turner.

Arch-i-text: Addressing stormwater infrastructure issues, now and for the future

"While the current council does not bear full responsibility for the sad state of our infrastructure, its decision to greenlight development applications that rely on the same inadequate and failing infrastructure must be called into question," writes Brian Marshall.

Shaw review: Embrace your inner child with ‘The Wind in the Willows’

"Indulge the child within you. This joyous production is for all ages and it was pure delight to see children on the edge of their seats, parents and grandparents alert, all responding and laughing in anticipation of what was coming," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson.

Dr. Brown: ‘Behold, I make all things new’: Can we reverse aging?

"In a nutshell, that’s what rejuvenation is all about: making old cells, old systems, old organs including our brains, young again. Or at least, that’s the hyped hope," writes Dr. William Brown

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