Nimby

Thursday April 4, 2024

Doug Ford's habitual resistance to progressive change, spanning from affordable housing to environmental conservation and social issues, impedes Ontario's progress and collective well-being, underscoring the need for inclusive leadership and collaboration.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday April 4, 2024

Doug Ford’s Habit of Resistance: A Barrier to Progress

Doug Ford's steadfast opposition to four-plexes reflects a shortsighted approach to housing policy that fails to address Ontario's affordability crisis and stifles the potential for inclusive, sustainable communities.

March 23, 2024

In the political landscape of Ontario, one figure has consistently emerged as a symbol of resistance: Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario. Since assuming office, Ford has developed a reputation for opposing a multitude of initiatives, often to the detriment of progress and the well-being of Ontarians. His propensity to resist change has become a defining characteristic of his leadership, hindering efforts to address critical issues facing the province.

From affordable housing to environmental conservation, Doug Ford seems to find himself on the opposite side of the fence, quite literally at times. His staunch opposition to initiatives aimed at tackling housing affordability, particularly in urban areas, underscores his resistance to innovative solutions. Rather than embracing measures like “gentle density” that could alleviate the housing crisis, Ford opts for maintaining the status quo, disregarding the pressing need for change.

News: Ontario will not introduce legislation that automatically approves fourplexes, Ford says

Doug Ford's $1.3 billion funding plan for Ontario's universities and colleges is deemed insufficient and short-sighted, failing to address long-standing structural underfunding issues in post-secondary education.

March 9, 2024

Environmental conservation efforts have also faced Ford’s unyielding resistance. His attempts to open up parts of the protected Greenbelt for development, despite widespread outcry from environmentalists and concerned citizens, exemplify his disregard for preserving natural landscapes and biodiversity. Ford’s shortsightedness in prioritizing development over environmental sustainability highlights a dangerous pattern of resistance to measures crucial for future generations.

Moreover, Doug Ford’s opposition extends beyond specific policies to encompass broader social issues. He has shown reluctance to support initiatives promoting LGBTQ+ rights, Indigenous sovereignty, and anti-racism efforts, further underscoring his tendency to resist progressive change. By aligning himself with regressive ideologies and obstructing initiatives aimed at promoting equality and inclusion, Ford perpetuates division and inequality within Ontario’s diverse communities.

Analysis: A grim report about climate change in Ontario was kept quiet for 8 months

May 14, 2019

While some may argue that resistance to certain policies is a natural aspect of politics, Doug Ford’s habitual opposition transcends mere disagreement. It reflects a deeper reluctance to adapt to evolving societal needs and challenges, instead clinging to outdated ideologies and entrenched interests. In doing so, Ford perpetuates a cycle of stagnation and divisiveness that impedes the progress of Ontario as a whole.

As Ontarians, we deserve leadership that is receptive to new ideas, responsive to the needs of all citizens, and committed to advancing the common good. Doug Ford’s pattern of resistance stands in stark contrast to these principles, serving as a barrier to progress and a hindrance to the collective well-being of our province. It is time for a shift away from resistance and towards collaboration, innovation, and inclusive leadership that truly reflects the values and aspirations of all Ontarians. (AI)

Saturday September 17, 2016

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð Saturday September 17, 2016 Conservation authority kills Webster's Falls shuttle Fierce opposition has prompted the Hamilton Conservation Authority to park a planned shuttle service to Webster's Falls on weekends and holidays, at least for this year. Chief administrative officer Chris Firth-Eagland said although the bus service can be activated with a month's notice, it's thus far had a hostile reaction, fuelling a "Scuttle This Shuttle" petition campaign. That's given the service's private partners cold feet on what staff hoped could be a solution to the traffic congestion that has plagued the popular Greensville park in recent years, he said. "They're quite concerned that the minute it doesn't work, they become then laughing stocks," Firth-Eagland told the conservation advisory board during a staff presentation on efforts to keep the park from being overrun by visitors. "We don't sense that the community wants us to do this at all," he said. "'War' has been used, that there will be war in response, and all those kinds of things. It's been very difficult for us.Ó Advisory board member Kristen Brittain, who lives in the area, said she's disappointed the shuttle won't get a trial run this year to see if it's viable or if people find ways to park in the area to avoid paying the $10 fee. "Those are outspoken people," she said of the more incendiary responses to the service, which was to run from Mizener's Antiques and Flea Market on Highway 5. "There are the quiet people that live there, too. I'm not a friend or foe (of the shuttle), but I'd be happy to at least give it a try.Ó Authority chair Robert Pasuta, councillor for the area, said he's hopeful new parking restrictions on weekends and holidays that were set to go before council for approval this week will help ease traffic tensions. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)Êhttp://www.thespec.com/news-story/6860667-conservation-authority-kills-webster-s-f

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday September 17, 2016

Conservation authority kills Webster’s Falls shuttle

Fierce opposition has prompted the Hamilton Conservation Authority to park a planned shuttle service to Webster’s Falls on weekends and holidays, at least for this year.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator - Thursday May 12, 2016 Want to visit Webster's Falls? Be ready to pay $15 The Hamilton Conservation Authority has hiked its fees at Spencer Gorge/Webster Falls Conservation Area in an effort to curb the influx of weekend visitors. "The local environment is taking a pounding," said chief administrative officer Chris Firth-Eagland who estimates the park has seen more than 3,000 people atÊa time during a peak weekend Ñ the park's estimated capacity. He said conservative estimates suggest the park had 140,000 visitors in 2015, up from about 80,000 two years earlier. The increased human activity not onlyÊendangers a fragile ecosystem, including century old trees, "sensitive plant regimes," and bird species like the recently departed Louisiana Waterthrush, it hasÊalso created traffic and parking issues for locals. "The place is gridlocked when the leaves change colours," said Firth-Eagland.Ê As one step in the solution, said Firth-Eagland, the HCA has aligned its pricing to be similar to prominent HCA attractions like Christie Lake, Dundas Valley,ÊValens Lake and Fifty Point. As of May 21, visitors will pay a $10 parking fee and $5 per person to gain access to the Spencer Gorge/Webster Falls park. TheÊrevised fee schedule also applies to the Tew Falls parking area and site. Between May 21 and Oct. 31, HCA membership passes will not gain free admittance on weekends. In all other HCA conservation areas the membershipÊpasses will remain valid on weekends and admittance fees appear to remain unchanged. The City of Waterfalls Initiatives founder Chris Ecklund says the move by the HCA wasn't surprising. "For the waterfall initiative as a whole, the Number 1 complaint is the cost of admission to the HCA properties in general," said Ecklund. "We have peopleÊsaying they can't afford it because they're on a fixed income. "This cost is insanity.Ó (Source: Hamilton Spectator) http://www.thespec.com/news-story/65479

May 12, 2016

Chief administrative officer Chris Firth-Eagland said although the bus service can be activated with a month’s notice, it’s thus far had a hostile reaction, fuelling a “Scuttle This Shuttle” petition campaign.

That’s given the service’s private partners cold feet on what staff hoped could be a solution to the traffic congestion that has plagued the popular Greensville park in recent years, he said.

“They’re quite concerned that the minute it doesn’t work, they become then laughing stocks,” Firth-Eagland told the conservation advisory board during a staff presentation on efforts to keep the park from being overrun by visitors.

“We don’t sense that the community wants us to do this at all,” he said.

“‘War’ has been used, that there will be war in response, and all those kinds of things. It’s been very difficult for us.”

Advisory board member Kristen Brittain, who lives in the area, said she’s disappointed the shuttle won’t get a trial run this year to see if it’s viable or if people find ways to park in the area to avoid paying the $10 fee.

“Those are outspoken people,” she said of the more incendiary responses to the service, which was to run from Mizener’s Antiques and Flea Market on Highway 5.

“There are the quiet people that live there, too. I’m not a friend or foe (of the shuttle), but I’d be happy to at least give it a try.”

Authority chair Robert Pasuta, councillor for the area, said he’s hopeful new parking restrictions on weekends and holidays that were set to go before council for approval this week will help ease traffic tensions. (Source: Hamilton Spectator)

 

Monday April 30, 2012

By Graeme MacKay, Editorial Cartoonist, The Hamilton Spectator – Monday April 30, 2012

Lower city councillors back federal prostitution-reform backlash

Three lower-city councillors are backing a federal push against legalizing brothels.

Councillors Sam Merulla, Chad Collins and Bernie Morelli say they’re concerned about a recent provincial court decision that struck down the ban on bawdy houses.

Now, Merulla says he’s formally asking his council colleagues to back a federal government appeal announced Wednesday of the reformed prostitution laws.

“If the Ontario Court of Appeal decision is left unchallenged, it could see the introduction of brothels within Hamilton and other communities in Ontario,” they said in a statement.

The trio — who represent the central and eastern areas of the lower city — say legalizing brothels would condone prostitution and hurt their neighbourhoods.

“I think we speak for the vast majority of Hamiltonians, Ontarians and Canadians,” Merulla said Thursday.

But Merulla’s motion is already stirring up some discomfort — for sex workers, and for one of his colleagues.

Angel, who lives in Morelli’s ward, has been a sex worker for 36 years. She’s unsure why her councillor would concern himself with what happens within the privacy of her apartment.

“I think it’s ridiculous. I think he has other things that are more important to worry about in the neighbourhood, like the drug trade and crack houses,” she said.

“I think he should just leave people alone who are just trying to live honestly and not hurt anyone.” (Source: Hamilton Spectator)