Better stories, please

Re Living large in Muskoka, May 16 Can someone please explain to me the thought process behind the editorial decision to feature monster Muskoka cottages on the front page of the Saturday paper? In one fell swoop, you have managed to offer free advertising for millionaire cottage owners trying to recoup a “few bucks,” while simultaneously promoting a most disgraceful manifestation of greed, gluttony and environmental disregard.

These are not cottages, obviously, but ostentatious mansions. Yes, there was a tiny commentary on the noise generated by the boating habits of these “cottagers,” but nothing about the other environmental impact that is inevitable when these massive single-family getaways are allowed to be built.

The trees cleared, the power used to heat, air-condition (and you know they aren’t likely the type of people to open the windows and crank up a ceiling fan) and light these places is only the beginning of the conversation.

Instead, why not put an article such as “Angel at the Mall” (front page of the Life section) or “Life in the big city’s green spaces” (front page of the Homes section) on the front page and celebrate and promote what is good about our city? These are people who get it — what it means to be part of a healthy community, and not the millionaire property owners who arguably don’t care about the environment they are ruining. Carolyn Rasiuk, Toronto

What were you thinking? Luxury “cottages” in Muskoka, in a week when 1,400 Canadians lost their jobs at Bombardier. It’s beyond comprehension. Dorothy McWhirter, Toronto