The coincidence was too great to ignore.

While writing my ramblings earlier today for this week’s paper, I took a break to read the Globe and Mail.

The main editorial was about modifying bylaws to allow increased density in residential neighbourhoods, to enable more people to live in Toronto. NIMBY and BANANA, and the discussion continues — “not in my back yard” and “build absolutely nothing anywhere near anything.”

Disclaimer: As always, I am not saying I am right. I just put forth my views, hoping to encourage thought and discussion.

So, how does this continuing debate across Lake Ontario relate to Henry Paffard here in Niagara-on-the-Lake?

I suspect that most readers of my weekly Ramblings are wondering, “Who the heck was Henry Paffard?”

Many will know there is an east-west running street between King and Charlotte, just south of John Street, named after him.

And a subtle historical plaque on the front of the Old Courthouse at 26 Queen St. downtown. Our local museum has a goodly amount of resource material about this historical giant.

Paffard Street is indeed a friendly neighbourhood roadway, and a good example of how streets sometimes evolve over the years.

But I have read a fair bit about Henry Paffard, who was an early visionary, determined and selfless citizen of Newark/NOTL. And not that long ago.

A few highlights of his many accomplishments should amaze all of us. And don’t forget, he did it all via verbal conversations, and the written word. In cursive. Without email, and even without rotary dial or touch-tone telephones.

To be repetitive, not that long ago. Think about it: our ancestors were determined.

Permit me to list a few of Paffard’s efforts that helped our town develop. He was the mayor for a total of 26 years, first elected in 1863. And they were not easy years.

During his watch, the government offices and the courthouse (and the jail) moved from Newark to St. Catharines, which had an obviously negative effect on our town. The Erie and Ontario Railroad went bankrupt. Businesses and farmers and fishermen were devastated.

Somehow, Mayor Paffard and his peers persevered and came out the other side. We can only imagine.

A few of his most notable accomplishments. And incidentally, as well as his civic efforts, he was town pharmacist from 1851 to 1898, mostly at the corner of King and Queen streets. In the current Apothecary “museum.”

He was an officer of the local library for 45 years (for a time, it was called the Mechanics Institute). In 1869, he fought to allow girls to be admitted to the local grammar school.

Henry Paffard accomplished so much, and helped to create our town fire department. This was a busy citizen, and remember, all without modern means of communication.

I will continue heaping plaudits on Henry Paffard. His determination and dedication are a major reason we have such beautiful and mature tree cover in Simcoe Park.

And the magnificent avenue of stately trees on the Commons. And, and, and…

As the editorial in the Globe and Mail said, “Changing zoning criteria means neighbourhoods will change. They’re supposed to.”

I really believe Henry Paffard would be pleased to see today’s eponymous Paffard Street. About 20 single family homes. Some 15 attached townhomes, with a clever mix of exterior colours and styles.

And, betcha didn’t know this, a very desirable four-storey, 16-unit condominium building.

This bigger building is tastefully buffered by trees, and backs on to our well-used and maintained Upper Canada Heritage Trail. Even that town amenity has been a struggle. Kudos to the hardworking proponents.

To ramble to a conclusion this week.

The current Paffard Street is a prime example of a mixed-density neighbourhood. People get along and chat with each other. They are observant and watch out. They seem to care.

Sometimes they give passing dogs a treat. And on really hot summer days, a few bowls of water magically appear for thirsty dogs.

I sincerely hope my Ross’s Rambling this week doesn’t sound preachy or pedantic.

Let’s open up our minds a bit and, as a municipal election looms in our town, remember that neighbourhoods inevitably change. They are supposed to.

Be kind.