Housing plan linked to downtown health
Seniors in the area maintain there aren’t enough housing options in Elmira. Sure, the town abounds in retirement, assisted living and nursing homes, but there are no dedicated apartments for older people who no longer need their detached homes, but want to stay in Elmira …Read more
No moral high ground in handling Iran
Though some of the saber-rattling has subsided, Iran continues to trouble the international community. This week, the United Nations Security Council imposed even tougher sanctions on the country’s Islamic regime, which continues to pursue nuclear technology …Read more
“Lyin’ Brian” tag is Mulroney’s only legacy
Did we really need to spend $14 million to determine that former primer minister Brian Mulroney lied, breached ethics guidelines and acted inappropriately? Really, Mr. Justice Jeffrey Oliphant simply confirmed what most Canadians already knew, even when the man still occupied 24 Sussex Dr.
In a report released this week, he determined Mulroney carried on an “inappropriate” relationship with …Read more
Regulating signs proves harder than expected
After yet another council debate about drafting a sign bylaw – the discussion has been going on for years – Woolwich’s position this week was as clear as mud.
Councillors certainly seem keen on regulating the growing number of signs littering roadways in the township. The easy answer is to ban them all, save for those put up by the municipality itself. That would do away with the clutter. But then the “buts” come into play. As in, “but what about farmers advertising produce for sale?” Well, of course …Read more
Not just history at stake in saving old buildings
The debate over some of the old buildings at the former Lang Tannery site in Kitchener is yet another indication of how poor planning, architectural indifference and a disregard for history have made for blight instead of brilliance when it comes to our built environment.
The four old brick buildings at the centre of the latest controversy are certainly not the brightest …Read more
It’ll cost more to drown our sorrows over HST
Ontarians, already in no mood to embrace the new harmonized sales tax, will be even more incensed to learn prices at the LCBO won’t be dropping. Instead, they’ll be climbing.
Although the eight per cent rate will replace a 12 per cent tax, the liquor store claims lowering prices would be irresponsible – apparently we’d all become heavy drinkers due to the nickels and dimes we’d …Read more
Decisions that make sense in election year
It’s an election year, so perhaps the tougher, more challenging stance taken this week by Woolwich councillors can be explained by the prospect of facing voters in a few short months. Whatever the reason, it’s a welcome turn of events.
It’s uncommon for council to vote contrary to recommendations brought forward by staff. Oh, it happens, but it’s certainly not the norm. Yet this week councillors were in a contrarian mood. …Read more
Breslau development awaits a new Hwy. 7
An accident Wednesday afternoon underscores the need for the long-delayed Hwy. 7 project linking Kitchener and Guelph.
A very minor motorcycle mishap just west of Shantz Station Road led to an unnecessary 911 call, eventually closing a lane of the highway and backing up traffic even before rush hour set in. At peak times …Read more
Gun registry a debate that just keeps on going
Stephen Harper is playing to his core constituents, not to the benefit of Canadians, with the party’s latest attempt to shoot down the gun registry. That Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff said he’ll have his caucus vote against a Tory private member’s bill that would scrap the registry has sent the Conservatives into heavy campaigning and fundraising mode …Read more
Good weather not all it’s cracked up to be
Enjoying the mild weather? Of course you are. March came in like a lamb and exited the same way, a suitable way to cap what was a very easy winter. April, with a few exceptions, has provided more of the same.
We’ve had some unseasonably warm days. Nothing to complain about, but somewhat troubling for those keeping an eye on the climate change file. We’re not to confuse today’s weather with the big picture of …Read more
