Words can stretch in opposite directions. "Entitlement" for one, offers an interesting case study – especially during these times of societal acrobatics and shapeshifting moralities. It's a tale of two breeds: those not getting their due of entitlements and others who...
Word of the Week: ‘Accountability’
ac·count·a·bil·i·ty /əˌkoun(t)əˈbilədē/ noun the fact or condition of being accountable; responsibility. "their lack of accountability has corroded public respect" Similar: responsibility, liability, answerability What does it mean to be an accountable person? ...
Cities can measure performance…but only a few will even try and North Bay is stuck in first gear
Performance measurement in most municipal operations is almost non-existent. That reflects the difficulty in determining what should be measured and the difference in service levels and resources that render benchmarking municipalities almost useless. It is...
Word of the Week: ‘Integrity’
This week’s definition lesson highlights a much-valued human characteristic: Integrity: in·teg·ri·ty /inˈteɡrədē/ Noun: the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. Example when used: "He is known to be a man of integrity."...
‘Trump mess’ resonates with Great Gatsby radio play, GTG director Rod Carley says
The Gateway Theatre Guild is staging F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby this week at Trinity United Church, presenting the iconic 1925 novel as a live 1940s radio studio performance that director Rod Carley says carries urgent relevance for today's audiences. The...
Does North Bay city council have enough credibility remaining to make big decisions?
The proposed Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw changes for development within the Trout Lake watershed and rural areas of North Bay will likely be cited during municipal election discussions over the next 12 months. The next public meeting is set for Oct. 27. Voting day...
The Gathering Place: Leaner and More Focused
One year after financial turmoil forced a major reorganization, The Gathering Place is operating on a tighter budget while continuing to serve North Bay's food-insecure residents—though donations remain a significant concern. Operations manager Alicia Smith and board...
Rhondi Palangio: Still going strong
See the feature written by columnist Nancy Avery about Rhondi Palangio in the Fall 2025 edition of the Back in the Bay Magazine, published by Small Town Times. Copies may be available at the North Bay Museum, Darkhorse Comics, North Bay Hospital Gift Shoppe, Allison...
Social housing issues require ‘all hands on deck’
In a Facebook post to my group, Elected by You – North Bay, regarding the pending eviction of residents at Westwind Village I asked a number of questions. I had complained that neither DNSSAB Chair, Mark King nor PHARA CEO, Mike van der Vlist had responded to me, but...
Procedural move stymies public discussion
Interesting drama at North Bay City Council when a 'confidential motion' slated for an in-camera session, moved by Sara Inch and seconded by Jamie William Lowery, was brought up to be added to the council meeting agenda. It called for public discussion of municipal...









