The possible transmission of H5N1, also known as bird flu, into the human population, and then from human to human, "would put us a risk for a second pandemic in less than a decade, and this time, the political climate has changed and might hobble our response to a possible pandemic," writes Dr. Brown.
"Some developers appear to be using their wealth to purchase undue influence with the provincial politicians that control the tribunal. This increases the perception that the playing field is not level," writes Steve McGuinness.
With Willow Cakes & Pastries closing its brick-and-mortar store on Mary Street at the end of this month, Brian Emes shares a poem he wrote in pre-COVID times to the beloved local bakery.
"Residents of NOTL understand that tourism is a contributing factor to life here and support a shared approach — however, tourism has to be well managed and that depends on the town council," writes Jackie Bonic.
The last six months of 2024 in Niagara-on-the-Lake were marked by extreme weather upheaval and a volatile political climate. Kevin MacLean breaks down what made the headlines in the second half of the year.
Retreat organizer Natalia Love Angelou says she hopes this event, which raised money for Red Roof, planted the first seed of her larger vision of having her own sacred space for all walks of life.
“We still want people to come in, and we still want them to see each other, see people who they may not have seen in a while, and also enjoy a good meal,” said Sean Vanderklis.
"With the threat of Trump's tariffs looming over our economy, we need a Team Ontario approach, working together across party lines to stand up to Trump’s tariffs," writes MPP Wayne Gates.
"Standing at the back of the room in the St. Davids Fire Hall, from what I could understand, competing interests seem to be pointing fingers at each other. He said, she said," writes Ross Robinson.
"On behalf of the General Nelles Branch 124 Royal Canadian Legion, entering into 2025, I would like to reflect on, and with the executive committee, thank the many people that made 2024 a very good year for our branch," writes Allan Howse.
"Canada is a free country, making our own decisions as citizens and forging our own democratic path in the world. Exchange independence for two of 100 seats in an undemocratic U.S. Senate? The 51st state indeed," writes Keith McNenly.
"Is bowing to tourism why people are encouraged to buy houses, flip them into motels, shrinking the supply of homes and creating businesses that don’t pay business taxes?" writes Garth Turner.
"There has now existed for several years a tinder box of dead trees and undergrowth, just waiting to be ignited by a strong wind and a little spark, random or malevolent," writes Richard Baker.
Columnist Brian Marshall will spend the next few weeks examining the options available to municipal authorities for protecting heritage properties, starting with a bylaw called "The Standards for the Maintenance and Occupany of Property," which "provides the criteria for maintenance of all properties located within the municipal boundaries of Niagara-on-the-Lake," writes Marshall.
