ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½

Star columnists Shawn Micallef and Edward Keenan write and reflect about the suburbs turning down sixplex apartment buildings. People in the suburbs want nothing to change, which is predictable but not sustainable. It is just another step backward for ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ and the GTA — witness Metrolinx, traffic chaos, massive density downtown, and a lack of parks and affordable housing.

In this fast-growing city, politicians have too much control. They are at best amateur planners, and we live with the changes that follow every election.

Right now, the provincial government is grabbing too much control of ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½.

Our leaders have been remiss in not giving the final word to professional urban planners. These experts can map out housing density, transit and social infrastructure and create a city’s future for 50 years, and more.

Some successful cities have politicians and planners create initial plans, and once approved they get built, regardless of changing governments.

Perhaps we here in ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ could aim for such lofty heights too.

Ulla Colgrass, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½

Compassion a key ingredient in healthy neighbourhoods

I moved my family into southwest Scarborough almost 50 years ago. Our house was next door to two three-plexes and is near the proposed Gerrard Street shelter. I am a senior now and I live in an apartment high-rise rental building also close to the proposed shelter. The tenants next to my house made for good neighbours, as did the men who lived at the Seaton House shelter on Kingston Rd several years ago.

I realize there is much opposition to both these initiatives (shelter and multi-plex) but it’s misguided. Our neighbourhoods and our city will only be stronger by growing and changing to meet the demands of our citizens and by welcoming, not fearing, our new residents.

Diana McLaren, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½

Parking problems a harsh reality for businesses, and customers

Generations have been lining up at this beloved ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ bakery for 80 years. The reason goes far beyond the challah, July 6

I very much enjoyed the story on the history of Harbord Bakery.

How many businesses can survive for 80 years and still offer the same recipes and quality they did at their opening?

I remember in the early 1950s going with my grandmother by streetcar to pick up challahs on a Friday morning at this same historic location.

It’s really so unfortunate that because of the ongoing construction and lane-restricting bike lanes that there is no longer any parking, which I’m sure has cost them customers. Just a while ago a cousin, who is a regular customer, went there to pick up his baked goods and got a $75 parking ticket.

Needless to say, he hasn’t been back.

Marty Fruchtman, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½

Winning at all costs should not be the driving force in politics

To say politics is akin to sports and is all about winning is unfortunately true, but it shouldn’t be the mindset of our politicians.

The idea that winning is the ultimate goal ignores democracy, good governance, serving your country and fellow citizens and displays a complete lack of altruism in the profession.

In the past several decades Canadians have witnessed repeat examples of the “win at all costs” mindset that has too often led to flouting of the law. We’ve had robocalls, the Adscam sponsorship scandal and campaign finance violations, among others.

These unfortunate realities are driven by one primary motivation: victory.

Chris Turner, Aurora, Ont.

Carney cancelling digital services tax is our PM playing the long game

Canada cancelled its digital services tax. What was it and why did the U.S. hate it? June 30

Don’t judge Prime Minister Mark Carney’s decision to scrap the digital sales tax prematurely.

What matters most in the present environment is protecting jobs and industries supplying goods and services to our current largest market. No doubt it will be difficult to negotiate with Trump, but by giving him this so-called win, Canada will be in a better position for the difficult discussions ahead.

I’m impressed with the long-term strategic thinking exhibited by our prime minister.

I agree a digital sales tax is long overdue, and it can be resurrected in the future, perhaps in a co-ordinated effort with our future economic trading partners in Europe and Asia.

Howard Gladstone, North York

Carney wise to give Trump the digital sales tax win. Bigger issues are at play

Many Canadians have expressed their disappointment in Carney for caving to the U.S. president by announcing Canada is rescinding the digital sales tax.

I’m withholding judgment, as neither country released a transcript of the Trump-Carney telephone call and I can assume there are details neither side wished to disclose during negotiations.

Carney is practical and axing the tax seems to be a tactic to give Trump a “win,” stroke his ego, thus allowing the bigger discussion on tariffs to proceed.

The value of the DST is small potatoes compared to the damage to Canada’s steel and aluminum industries from tariffs.

Far better to resolve the biggest issues first than die on the digital sales tax hill.

Michael Gilmor, Ajax

Star article highlights need for change when it comes to diagnosing Alzheimer’s

A breakthrough drug could slow Alzheimer’s. Here’s why many Canadians may not be able to access it, July 6

The article on new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease makes an important point: helping people get an early diagnosis provides opportunities for them to get treatment.

We did a study several years ago where family doctors were trained to diagnosis Alzheimer’s. The study then compared patients who got diagnosed by a family doctor compared to those that waited for a neurologist to diagnose.

The findings were clear that when diagnosed by family doctors, patients got treatment and support much earlier.

We do need to bring changes to the system.

Joe Bornstein PhD, Health Innovations Group

Be careful not to villainize all Americans

After reading a recent letter writer’s preference to purchase Moroccan blueberries over American blueberries, I must say this seems misguided.

I recently bought blueberries grown in California. My point is, the vast majority of California voters did not vote for Trump, and have been treated very badly because of it by the president.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has been insulted and vilified by Trump and his followers. Trump even said he did not want to give them aid after the recent wildfires.

I don’t think it’s fair to villainize all Americans, especially those who did not vote for Trump. They, too, are suffering Trump’s wrath.

Jane White, Scarborough