"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.
"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.
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.
"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."
"Earlier Ontarians understood that public ownership, pastoral landscapes, gardens, historical preservation and architecturally serious infrastructure could be forms of economic development," writes Keith McNenly.
"Given what’s coming, our lord mayor will also be the sole and only rep at the senior level of government, Niagara Region. Kaiser already knows what that workload amounts to. Being mayor would be extra," writes Garth Turner.
"An intelligent man concerned with the welfare of this province’s citizens would come to very different decisions than what is currently occurring at Queen's Park," writes Brian Marshall.
"Polar bears, dolphins, lions, red vested bunny rabbits, caterpillars. And more," writes Ross Robinson. "The sky seems to be the limit as we bloom into the future."
"For many, it’s AI’s uncanny ability to talk naturally and build relationships with its human users that’s perhaps the most unnerving part, but also for many users, AI’s allure," writes Dr. William Brown.
"If the town continues to tear down buildings for tourism and build parking lots in place of schools, it removes the scenery and voices of school kids entirely from its streets," writes Aspen Ziraldo.
"Many small arts spaces operate with a level of uncertainty, and finding suitable, properly equipped and affordable space is increasingly difficult," writes Valérie Bélisle.
"Niagara-on-the-Lake deserves a mayor fully invested in protecting this community, preserving its character and respecting the people who live here," writes Richard Harley.
The next lord mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake, writes Garth Turner, "must not only rule a disparate, complex town ... but be the sole voice at the senior level where big tax, policy and service decisions are made."
"Bipedalism freed up the arms and especially the hands for other tasks such as tool-making, creating art and music, all of which was enabled and fostered by increasingly larger brains," writes Dr. William Brown.
"It was only a few decades ago that most parenting decisions were made by parents. Today, we seem to involve several levels of government, Moms and Dads, and people in between," writes Ross Robinson.
"Easing congestion wasn’t council’s main rationale for leaning toward a garage at 176 Wellington — money is. Council members either believe or were led to believe that parking will bring in piles of it," writes David Israelson.
"Authoritarian forces are aligning across borders, and the free world again needs coherent leadership. Canada’s message, in that context, has been clarity of purpose," writes Keith McNenly.
"The culture you are so proud of includes much less citizen participation on committees and fewer public consultation bodies with a much expanded administrative staffing cost," writes Bob Bader.
"Too much focus is being placed on proposed infrastructure changes at the expense of the natural heritage and beauty of the treed streetscape," write Karen Conderan and George Jager.
"It’s time for council to stop making decisions that benefit commercial developments and get back to making decisions that will make the community a better place to live," writes Wayne Murray.
"What is the fundamental difference between the family-owned wineries and the corporate-owned wineries? Why does one group seem to get special treatment over the other?" writes Megan Wood.
"The centre of town ... should be returned to the previous purpose it was originally meant to be: to be an accessible area for long-time taxpayers of Niagara-on-the-Lake," writes Cecilia Bennett.
Premier Doug Ford, writes Kevin MacLean, "has shown time and time again that, really, he is 'For the People' — though maybe just not the common people who have to live with his actions and decisions."
"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.
