"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.
The Lake Report's Aug. 15 editorial by editor-in-chief Richard Harley, "Poilievre is truly great — at pandering," has garnered attention from coast to coast. It also struck some nerves.
"Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre delivered a plethora of lies during his visit to NOTL, forcing The Lake Report to respond with the longest editorial it has ever published."
"Why are certain members of council reluctant to enforce compliance to the official plan and zoning bylaws to prevent these unsuitably located big commercial developments in the already overcrowded historic area?" writes Robert Buchkowsky.
"Was NOTL the busiest small town in Canada last weekend?" asks Ross Robinson. Between the Niagara 5000 car show and Peach Festival goings-on Saturday and Sunday, it was likely a strong contender.
"When the hottest days of summer hit, many container garden plants slow down on making flowers and fresh foliage — even if you keep up with watering," writes Joanne Young.
"Dividing the world into left and right, as the Americans are doing (and we’re following) solves nothing. One side is not right and good, the other wrong and evil. Trust me. I’ve been on both," writes Garth Turner.
"It's not too late to save the situation. Ask Mr. Marotta and Two Sisters to build something that is desperately needed and would be welcomed with open arms: An elegant retirement residence," writes Hamish Kerr.
"'It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing' and swing audiences certainly did when Duke Ellington composed this jazz classic with lyrics by Irving Mills in 1931 and performed it at Harlem's famous Cotton Club," writes Penny-Lynn Cookson, highlighting one of several standout show at the Shaw Festival's Spiegeltent this summer.
"It is sad, but true that mistreatment may occur, however it can and does happen in many workplaces that have nothing to do with migrant workers," writes Susan Pohorly.
"I do think the Town of NOTL should look into having much more frequent garbage pickup, particularly when the town is hosting these special occasions," writes Melissa McGroarty.
"It was my observation, particularly given the universal opinion expressed to me by those gathered on the lawns, that many of this council's decisions are the antithesis of their campaign promises," writes Brian Marshall, who attended the town hall protest last week.
"It’s a shame that 350 people were blamed for the ignorance of a few. Let it be known that during our fight to save our town that anyone who is with our group will be held responsible for their actions," writes Karen Taylor-Jones.
"The economic policy of the past 60 years simply does not reflect the current world reality. It has the effect of allowing the rich to amass wealth to the detriment of the poor and middle classes," writes Keith McNenly.
"There is just something to be said about a more tropical look in the summer," writes Joanne Young, sharing her four favourite summer beauties that will add some “wow” to your garden.
"Please, neighbours, commit to the arts. Don’t let Yogi Berra’s famous malaprop be proven here, as he famously said, 'If people don’t want to come to the ball game, you can’t stop them,'" writes Ross Robinson.
"A nice heritage home sold in Old Town this week. The asking price was competitive, but no cigar. The new owner got it for 14 per cent less," writes Garth Turner.
"The single most important technical development to have a major impact in commercial and military aviation after the war was the development of turbine jet engines," writes. Dr. William Brown.
"THE HOUSE THAT WILL NOT STAND"
*** (out of 5)
Jackie Maxwell Studio Theatre, 2 hours 30 minutes, one intermission. Ends Oct 12. Writer: Marcus Gardley....
"The heritage, history and look of Old Town are fundamental and extremely important issues to its residents. Old Town is unique and should be protected by council," writes Derek Collins.
"My message to the lord mayor and the councillors who have supported what I believe are bad development projects for our town remains the same: Reconsider or resign; respect our official plan," writes Terry Davis.
"The lord mayor and council have the duty, responsibility and opportunity to take the high road and restore confidence in our local government. They can do so by fostering transparency and accountability and, most importantly, restoring TRUST, which is, after all, the real subject at hand," writes Paul Kirkconnell.
"As a solution, I encourage the planning department to provide a roadshow or series of workshops at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre or other venues to provide such education," writes Peter Warrack.
"I suggest that the town should create a Municipal Heritage Legal Defence Fund. All those who feel that money should be spent defending heritage before the Ontario Land Tribunal could donate money to the fund," writes Ron Fritz.
