ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½

Why are we wasting our reusable energy on new landfills? Why are we talking about increasing our landfill sites when we should be eliminating them? Why are we not diverting our waste and adopting circular economy as our mantra? Why are we not mandating all residential high-rises have waste sorting systems?

We can reduce our waste by being creative. Construction waste is one of largest areas of carbon emissions. There is no policy from the province for buildings under 2,000 square meters to divert construction demolition waste.ÌýThat means all materials from a residential house that is demolished can end up in landfill.ÌýIt is up to each municipality to create mandates and rewards for material diversion.

Material has value. Here are some solutions. The municipalities and province should not allow a demolition permit without a demolition audit for all buildings. Places like Ontario Science Centre should have done an audit of emissions created for demolition, renovation and new construction materials.

Construction materials in an existing building should be deconstructed and diverted for repurposing. There are so many new companies that are repurposing brick, wood, drywall,Ìýmetals, plastics, etc. So why aren’t these new economies being embraced?

Instead, it is cheaper for construction materials to go into landfill.Ìý We have to plan as if there is no landfill instead of creating more.

Astra Burka, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½

Ontario needs a premier who can see the big picture

Court ruling declaring Ontario bike lane law unconstitutional ‘ridiculous’: Ford, Aug. 6

One of the facets of a great leader is to focus on the big picture and clearly our Premier does not have that quality.ÌýThe issue of bike lanes is critical to the success of ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ to escape gridlock and congestion.ÌýThere is a need to invest in as many modes of transportation as possible such as bike lanes and improved public transit. Get as many cars off the road as possible and then maybe there will be less frustration with a Premier who chooses to stay in the dark ages.

Richard Bino, SinghamptonÌý

America is vulnerable to Canada’s anti-Trump actions

Prime Minister Mark Carney announces support measures for softwood lumber industry, Aug. 5

Offering support for lumber and other industries amid the chaos of trade war is the only sensible thing to do. We need to support Canadian industries as well as inter-provincial trade while expanding partnerships with other countries.

Canada and other countries just need to continue avoiding travel and buying American products. This is having a huge effect on the U.S. and Trump supporters. America is vulnerable to these actions.

America has another vulnerability and that is its copper production. America isÌýone of the top global consumers of copper yet produces just 50–55 per cent and imports 45 per cent. Canada is their biggest supplier. Should copper tariffs dramatically increase it would harm building industries and the automotive industry. Any new copper operation in America could not be up and running any sooner than 10 full years, long after we see the end of Trump.

Brian Mellor,ÌýMidland, ON

Relax, Trump is a wet paper tiger

All Canadians should know that 100 per cent of Canada’s energy exports and 95 per cent of other exports are compliant with the USMCA trade pact which means almost all Canada-U.S. trade continues to be tariff free.

Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association said that Trump’s bluster “… gives them the tough tariff headline but also allows them the access to the stuff they need from us.�

And they need our oil.

The Canada Energy Regulator reported that in 2024, Canada exported 6.3 million barrels/day of oil equivalent hydrocarbons (oil, refined products, natural gas, and natural gas liquids) of which total the U.S. took 94.4 per cent.

At the average West Texas Intermediate crude oilÌýprice of $75.72 U.S./barrelÌýin 2024, that export trade of fossil fuels was worth about a quarter trillion Canadian dollars.

Mike Priaro, Calgary AB

Rosedale Heights gets two principals while budget decisions cut into staff at other schools

Beloved Rosedale high school principal to stay as Ford government steps in, Aug. 5

The decision to move Barrie Sketchley to another high school in what seems to be his last year before retirement was wrong. Equally wrong was allowing him to be in the position for some 30 years.

The TDSB at one time followed a protocol of principal placements lasting five or so years. Making regular changes in school leadership allows for principals to employ different skill sets, and in some cases, allow a school a “re-set.”

So now, not only does Rosedale Heights retain Sketchley, it also gets an additional principal, Joseph Ghassibe, who will “select system initiatives related to transitions,” whatever that means. An additional principal at a school where students compete to attend is not likely a school that has the same challenges many others do; I’m sure other schools would benefit from the extra helping hands of another administrator.

Meanwhile, the special needs assistant position at our TDSB school has been cut because of “budget decisions.” The special needs students returning next month are now left without her valuable support.

The school board trustees aren’t the problem. They merely vote on what is placed in front of them. The TDSB senior team makes those budget/administrative choices. Someone needs to hold their feet to the fire.

Sharon Miller,ÌýÎÚÑ»´«Ã½Ìý

Are highways more important than the education of our future generations?Ìý

Since schools are out across Ontario, now is a good time to take stock of their chronic public underfunding by the Ontario government. The Ontario government announced in its latest budgetÌý. Are highways more important than the education of our future generations? School boards continue to ask for more fundraising to make up the shortfall. Parents have enough to deal with in today’s uncertain times without being asked to fund their children’s education. Arts programs have been sacrificed as well as ESL education which are both essential to educate well-rounded students. It is time for citizens to speak out about this underfunding and message their MPPs and government officials to stand up for public education.

Elaine Faye,ÌýGuelph, ON

Neigh to thoughtless amusements

I was shocked and appalled to see the horses and their riders being cruelly ridden with careless abandon for the amusement of CNE patrons . Let us not forget that horses have feelings too and despite being capable of amazing feats of horsey daring, they should not be so cruelly exploited for our delight and gratification. Having fallen off horses a number of times and landed on my head I can honestly say that luckily no ill effects have resulted. I cannot, alas, say the same for the horses involved given their subsequent refusal to having anything to do with me. I can only hope that the magnificent creatures featured in the Star do not seek vengeance on their talented riders. I say neigh to such thoughtless amusements.

Peter Lower, ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½