Argument
A conversation. At last. Buried in the Sophiasburgh councillor’s desire to shape and civilize the dialogue, there is the kernel of an argument. A basis, perhaps, for debate. (See Letters page 7). It is surely one of the oldest democratic conundrums— how to tax and pay for the things government do—yet, it is as important […]
Muted
Kathleen Wynne said no. With an election looming in June, the Ontario premier shot down the proposal made by the gathered municipal leaders last week in Ottawa. They had come to ask her to increase the harmonized sales tax (HST) by one per cent to help fund the rehabilitation of crumbling municipal infrastructure from Kenora […]
Dots
Ontario is currently working toward another electricity import deal with Quebec. It is likely a good thing. Most of our neighbour’s electricity is generated by massive hydro dams on the James Bay and St. Lawrence watershed—so, by today’s convoluted meaning of the word, it is clean. It is also reliable and manageable—the opposite of the […]
Let’s talk
There are no easy solutions to the County’s financial woes. Those who say otherwise aren’t telling you the truth. Or don’t understand the numbers. Neither of which is an acceptable or tolerable situation when uttered by an elected County official. There are, however, practical, workable things we can do to alter the County’s fated financial […]
A parable
Imagine a place not unlike this one—resplendent with natural beauty, hundreds of kilometres of freshwater shoreline and a tranquil population—unfussed by the busy making at the shire hall. While most everyone suspected something was wrong inside those walls—there seemed nothing to be gained by looking closer. There was too much positive, enchanting and distracting about […]
Once and for all
Story: Rick Conroy Few will mourn the end of the size-ofcouncil debate. It was, for most, a discussion occurring on the fringes—with little direct impact on our daily lives, jobs or taxes. The issue only gained wide public interest after council chose to put the question on the ballot in the municipal election of 2010—and […]
Behaving badly
Belleville. Man, you folks are on a roll. Most weeks, The Times keeps its focus trained on County government and Shire Hall—but the spectacular antics coming out of your City Hall lately demand special attention—in the way badly behaving children sometimes do. First the casino. Wow, did you folks ever need that. Few jurisdictions in […]
Inside the sausage factory
Mayor Quaiff knew it wouldn’t work. He understood the Ontario Municipal Board would look badly upon his council’s decision-making on the issue. He knew that by failing to complete the process council itself had framed, an objective reader of electoral law in Canada would be hard pressed to say he and his colleagues had met […]
Royal leadership
As if thus arranged, the morning’s grey and sputtering skies suddenly gave way to glorious sunshine just as Prince Charles and his wife Camilla stepped out of their car in Wellington on Friday afternoon. The Royal Couple were a bit late—which, as it turned out, permitted market vendors and well-wishers near ideal conditions with which […]
Inspiring
These words are long overdue. I suggest that for many, Prince Edward County would be unrecognizable were it not for the generosity and kindness of Lanny and Catharine Huff. There is scarcely a corner, a cultural activity or community gathering place that has not benefited from their grace. Their thoughtfulness. Their good-heartedness. The newly invigorated […]