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Why did no one question the demolition?

Re: Brandon House

As a neighbour of the characterful pre-Confederation Brandon House, which used to stand at the grand entrance to Ancaster on Wilson Street, I was puzzled while watching city council unanimously pass a resolution presented by Coun. Ferguson, to include 40 heritage homes on Wilson Street and Old Ancaster Road on the heritage register. Their new status will give the council and the public 60 days to consider whether any such registered home should have even more protection from significant change or demolition. This is very good and much appreciated, since most of these homes are just around the corner. But my puzzlement arose when councillors congratulated city staff and each other for the great job they are doing protecting heritage homes from demolition. Nobody but Coun. Danko even came close to asking the question that was staring them in the face: If we’re doing such a good job, why did the precious Brandon House get taken down without any warning to the neighbours, or effort by anyone in the city bureaucracy, to question the demolition of such a valuable heritage property before it was executed?

Bob Maton, Ancaster

Demolition is disgusting

Re: Brandon House

The demolition of Brandon House in Ancaster is absolutely disgusting. The worst thing that ever happened to Ancaster was when the City of Hamilton took it over back in the ’90s. Our civic government has a lot to answer for. I used to be an Ancaster resident, and am now living in Flamborough where we also have been abused by the permit granting gang from city hall. We had our quiet country road chewed up by thousands of dump trucks dumping questionable fill onto a property adjacent to our community.

Once again, like Ancaster, the permits were granted to a numbered company. Who does that? Hamilton where the s— flows downstream.

Eleanor Blackborow, Flamborough

Wear a mask, change the filter

Re: Vacuuming during COVID-19

I haven’t heard anyone mention the effects of vacuuming during this pandemic period. Vacuuming does not clean the air, but in fact pollutes it. Unless the vacuum has special filters for purifying the air, all it does is spread small dust particles throughout the area. And germs of all kinds love to travel on dust.

During this time especially you should wear a mask while vacuuming, you should clean, wash or change the filter each time and vacuum the area when there are no people traffic or at night. If this virus can spread through the air a vacuum is its best friend. Possibly spraying the area with a disinfectant first would help. Most Shopvac and vacuum cleaners are already half full and people think they’ll wait till the bag is full before changing — not a good idea.

Glenn Lloyd, Dundas

Let’s all do our part

Re: Giving to charity during COVID-19

The COVID-19 virus has been devastating to our communities, to the charities and services that many citizens depend upon. As a retired steelworker I sit and think about the fundraising that our union has done for many years. Each spring, the Hamilton Steelworkers Area Council held a dinner and dance raising around $3,000 and in June each year a golf tournament was held and the proceeds topped up to $10,000. These funds went directly to Greater Hamilton Food Share. In addition the retirees group, Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (SOAR) did monthly fundraising and food collections which went to St. Matthew’s House. The steelworkers were not the only group raising funds for charities, many other unions, companies, community groups and service clubs all were involved is some way or another.

The United Way, another great charity is suffering, since much of its fundraising is by payroll deduction and if you’re laid off, or not working due to self isolation there are no deductions taken from your paycheque. At this time the need is greater than normal but these previous fundraisers are not taking place. Please think about others less fortunate or in need in our community and make a donation small or large. It all will help.

Bob Sutton, secretary, Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees

City worker castigated dog walker

Re: Park closures

An incident occurred on April 29 at Sanctuary Park in Dundas that was somewhat upsetting. A woman was walking her two dogs through the park and was accosted by a city worker who was parked in his vehicle at the entrance of the park. He proceeded to castigate her, rather self-righteously for being in the park and obviously tried to belittle and humiliate the woman in front of other citizens. This was around mid-morning.

First of all, there is a sign indicating that the Rail Trail closed but no sign that the park is closed. On the city website it says parks are open but the amenities are closed. So I wish to know what gave this self-righteous city worker the right to behave in such a manner? Secondly, if Sanctuary Park is closed, please post a sign saying so.

Times are difficult for all of us but some degree of common sense should prevail.

Terry Crooks, Dundas

Such an uplifting story

Re: Cooped up but not down (April 30)

What an uplifting, heartwarming story! So nice to read about Zilla Myers and Fred Voytek enjoying their new-found love and how they’ve adapted their “date nights” to fit into this new normal.

Are they really 89 and 93? I think it may be a printing error because they both look 20 years younger than that.

What a great start to my morning!

Deb Whalen, Simcoe