"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.
"The Ford government is spending millions upon millions on private planes, private spas and handouts to developers, while our public services crumble and life gets increasingly unaffordable for families in Ontario," writes Wayne Gates.
"There are those who respect our built heritage, who embrace the generations that have come before and understand how traditional buildings add to our community," writes Brian Marshall.
"Human society is like chimpanzee society — tribalistic and prone to violence. A list of conflicts from world wars to endless regional conflicts and violence within our own country makes the point," writes Dr. William Brown.
"This is such a great town. Take some time and visit our community centre. Read the plaques, and absorb the ambience of this happening place," writes Ross Robinson.
"Addressing these issues is not only a moral imperative, but one that benefits us all. We can each carry the torch and be part of the solution," writes Rose Campbell.
"Under realistic conditions, the proposed parking structure is unlikely to be financially self-sustaining, and the burden shifts to the taxpayer," writes Colin Patey.
"The lands at and surrounding 176 Wellington St. hold deep historical significance — history that defended alliance lands and helped shape the nation we now call Canada," writes Tim Johnson.
"Council has had ample time to consult, plan and implement a solution that balances the needs of all residents. The continued inaction reflects a troubling lack of leadership and responsiveness," writes Vince Serratore.
"Change the surroundings, change the experience. Once these glorious shade trees are gone, the entrance to Old Town will be just like anywhere else," writes Valmai Howe Elkins.
"In most communities around the world, a philanthropic organization with funds to make investments, based on research, would be welcomed with open arms by the community leaders," writes Robin Cardozo.
"The most dangerous species on Earth was not conquered. It was befriended, one household at a time, by a creature sometimes small enough to fit in your arms and wise enough to require your best self," writes Keith McNenly.
"Fort Mississauga stands as a tower of strength on Lake Ontario. Built just after the War of 1812, this unique site reflects 150 years of British and Canadian military activity," writes Tony Chisholm.
"Why do people flock here to visit? To live in this bucolic burg? For the quiet, the history, the architecture, the streetscapes, the geography — and the green above us," writes Garth Turner.
"There are those who consider our built heritage just 'old stuff' which stands in the way of realizing new development and should be unapologetically demolished," writes Brian Marshall.
"No wonder some dogs hang out with other dogs and humans who might offer companionship, safety, warmth, food and water. Wouldn’t we in similar circumstances?" writes Dr. William Brown.
"Let us accept that change is coming to Niagara-on-the-Lake. So be it. But let us work in good faith, together and respectfully, to get the best possible results for the most people possible," writes Ross Robinson.
"Many people think of ducks in a kind of generic sense (quack) and don’t realize that there are many varieties of ducks, or that most of them are really striking when seen through decent optics," writes Anita Barber.
"I believe Queen Street needs as prominent a place for a Shaw theater as can be found for it. It draws people to it and to the businesses and it a blessed relief from more businesses," writes Peter Rand.
"If the tourism model continues to chase raw volume, buses and high-turnover day traffic, then pressure on Old Town will intensify no matter how much parking is built," writes AnnLiz Simpson.
"Yes, the Shaw is great for NOTL. Lucky to have it. But ripping up the main street while taking such a financial gamble in dodgy economic times seems rash. So, a little scrutiny is not a bad thing," writes Garth Turner.
"What we have witnessed is the construction of a 21st-century modern glass and metal hotel that speaks neither to Niagara-on-the-Lake generally nor the Village specifically," writes Brian Marshall.
