Smallville

Reaction to Luc Rinaldi’s profile of Jean-Louis Brenninkmeijer, the man who built the massive (yet tiny) miniature Canada model, ranged from affection for his pursuit to indignation over the money he spent bringing it into existence. First the admirers:

“This story has me very excited to visit the tiny version of Toronto. Hope there’s good security to prevent people from jumping in and stomping around like Godzilla, though. Urge will be strong.”

—@GraphicMatt, Twitter

“Yes, this is bonkers. Yes, I will go.” —@dawna_dingwall, Twitter

“Me: ‘A model railway would be fun.’ Crazy rich Dutch guy:

‘You must DREAM BIGGER.’ ”

—@DrClarkIPresume, Twitter

“Awww… everyone wants a little piece of Canada, even the rich.”

—Mauricio Jesus, Facebook

Now the quibblers:

“So many people have become homeless because of the pandemic. $24 million could have been spent creating some affordable housing instead of creating housing nobody can live in.”

—Tracy Nelson, Facebook

“If he could just build me a small bungalow that would be great.”

—Tess Marquez, Facebook

“Could there have been better uses of this money? Probably. Does the little boy in me think this is the coolest I’ve ever seen? Also probably.”

—haanpc, Instagram