Category: Politics, Policy & Governance
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Now I’m a Licensed Prospector, Too
Some things in life are surprisingly simple. For a fee of $25.50, presentation of photo i.d., and the completion of a form that required little more than my name, address, telephone number and birthdate, I became a licensed prospector in the province of Ontario. I am now permitted to stake mineral claims anywhere in the… Read more
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Connecting the Dots With the City of Ottawa
Just whipped this off to the editor of The Ottawa Citizen. I’m not so much crabby as tired of the same old, same old (though it may be difficult to tell the difference). **************** Planning. Building Permits and Approvals. Bylaws. Community and Social Services. Heritage. Rural Affairs Office. Community Development Framework. The commonality of all… Read more
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If You Go Down to the Woods Today
Going tramping through the fields and woods in Ontario is no walk in the park. There can be extreme weather, mud, black flies, mosquitoes, hunting seasons and snowmobile routes to consider. While we live rurally and have several forested areas and walking trails to choose from, the reality is there are a few optimal months… Read more
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The More Things Change
This past summer I spent way more time than I cared to attending council meetings, writing letters and talking to neighbours about a proposed Heritage Conservation District (HCD) for our tiny historic hamlet, when I really needed to be up on the scaffolding. I am hardly anti-heritage but I also don’t believe that the benefits… Read more
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A Moving Manifesto on Homelessness
Husband more often than not works from home these days, which is particularly useful on nasty winter days when snow squalls or freezing rain threaten. I have switched to indoor work now and am especially appreciative of the warm, dry and nourishing surroundings that we share. I jealously protect my solitude a little less now… Read more