Spring Song in Uxbridge
The ice is gone from Elgin Pond.
Drab colours will soon turn to soft pinks and greens.
The sun sparkles diamonds on the water where ducks are upended and squabbling geese fly by in family groups.
Nearby the mayor and his cohorts sweep down on a swath of trees.
In their relentless search for gold the beauty and lungs of our community are quickly reduced to sawdust, soon to be replaced by ticky-tacky.
Elsewhere where the streams of nature are rejected bricks crumble and sidewalks crack.
Mature trees on Reach await the axe.
Where is vision, where is thought…the Mother of us all cannot be bought.
Saundra Reiner, Uxbridge
Re: ‘New money paves the way for cyclists to enjoy local roads,’ March 5 edition
This headline in the March 5 issue of the Uxbridge Cosmos made my blood boil. The first thought to enter my mind was, “Oh great, now local residents will get to see even MORE ignorant, belligerent and uncaring cyclists in Goodwood.”
It truly baffles logic, how this municipality panders to (non-township-taxpaying) cyclists, most of whom have no regard whatsoever for the rules of the road. These people have either forgotten about the safety provided of riding in single-file (which I learned about when I was a child), are indifferent to the security it provides, or have never heard of it (which I would find extremely difficult to believe). They do not understand that stop signs apply to them too, as they do to motorists.
I am not convinced that a death caused by not heeding these basic rules will change their mindset; they obviously think that they are invincible.
The mantra “share the road” applies just as equally to cyclists with motorists, as it does to motorists with cyclists, period. The fact that I have to state this is a sad reality.
Considering that there is much more vehicular traffic in general, where is the money to repair Hwy. 47 from Goodwood to the York-Durham line? That is an area in much more dire need of repair than Conc. 3 from Wagg Rd. north 0.8 km towards Goodwood. Where are the funds to repair the treacherous railway crossing on Goodwood Rd. between Hwy. 47 and Conc. 3? Why are we appeasing cyclists? To invite additional, inappropriate and unwelcomed behaviour? It makes no sense. The township has its priorities backwards (again).
As for Ward 4 Councillor Willie Popp’s comment of “These paving improvements will be appreciated by our local cycling clubs and visiting cyclists who will be able to enjoy our spectacular country roads without worrying about flat tires or dangerous pavement conditions,” I say boo-hoo. I have little sympathy for those who categorically refuse to observe laws enacted for personal safety.
K. Stiles, Goodwood
Re: ‘Am I Wrong?’, March 19 edition
You’re right, Roger! Thank you for sharing so many common sense points. I believe we have all become a little lax on our social common sense, and a reminder at this time is beneficial. We may go overboard, but let’s be safe and considerate of others.
Donna McKenney, Uxbridge
Perhaps we should get our priorities straight during this COVID-19 pandemic and donate to the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital, Community Care, Salvation Army, Canadian Red Cross, and so on. These care-giving organizations give comfort and assist our town and community in times of health needs, loneliness, stress and depression. It’s time to make thoughtful decisions re: donations.
BJM, An Uxbridge senior