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Poverty reduction plan gets the cold shoulder from city council

Durnford will hit taxpayers pockets hard if voted in as mayor.

Poverty reduction plan gets the cold shoulder from city council

Funny; I look to this council for an indication if value and see nothing. Shame on everybody who voted no. This council is spineless and I hope everybody remembers that at our next municipal election.

- ElizabethMK

Council approves purchase of grader by bumping plow replacement

Driving over bridge on West ST and highway 11, I just saw an elderly lady in a motorized scooter with groceries having to drive in the car lanes as the sidewalks are totally impassable. How sad, terrible and dangerous for her. THIS should not be happening. And article says "we have enough staff" Maybe some of the City and Council members should try to drive a scooter around town.

- R Adams

Widow recounts husband’s assisted death as MPs set to revisit Bill C-7

the government should allow digital recordings that can be done while the patient is still coherent enough to know what they want. Instead they wait for the last second and when someone who has prechosen to die is asked what they want and cannot immediately answer, they are left to rot in a holden pen waiting for the inevitable. THAT is uncivilized.

- Brad Mathews

Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital appoints interim president and CEO

That hospital is terrible no one even knows where to check in at er like can they put up a sign. Unprofessional staff I would avoid at all cost

- Justinn Timee

Poverty reduction plan gets the cold shoulder from city council

McIsaac re-iterated that staff have costed the entire program, pegging total costs at about $4.4 million. "Poverty is an important issue and it's real. I was looking for an indication of value and I didn't see anything," he said. "There wasn't anything related to economic development — a living wage, more jobs," he said.I agree with our Major. The best way out of poverty is through providing access to good paying jobs. However people who work within the "poverty industrial complex" will have other viewpoints.

- Stadius Karsche

Widow recounts husband’s assisted death as MPs set to revisit Bill C-7

My father in his 98 year was a fit and healthy guy right up to ten days before the prostate cancer rendered him unable to continue on. The caring and planning that the MAID provided was unparalleled. Dad made this choice. He said he realized he would not get better and the pain was not controlled. He couldn’t pee , eat or other activities of daily living. I’m thankful he had this option.

- Northporchgal

Poverty reduction plan gets the cold shoulder from city council

This doesn't have anything to do with poverty reduction but rather to express my opinion on the constant censorship by the folks at the helm of Orillia matters.Censorship is the first tool in the box of fascist and communist dictatorships.Free speech is at the centre of a democracy, While I love reading local news I am tired of the constant "moderation".I just saw in real time some ones comments (not mine) being wiped .Whether or not this gets through will determine my future readership of this small town news agency.

- Stadius Karsche

Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

This council and mayor are ridiculous. Where is the money given to Ramara by the province going? I live in Orillia and I would never move to Ramara now because of this council who doesn't care about anyone. Vote them out on the next election. Basil is the worst mayor ever. I can't believe he got an award. At least he isn't running next time. Sherri Bell for mayor.

- Sandy Loos

Widow recounts husband’s assisted death as MPs set to revisit Bill C-7

Audrey, I agree with you 100%We should have the right to die with dignity, as opposed to being in a long-term care facility where you’re hopefully fed three times a day and your diapers are changed if you are not coherent.That is not considered quality of life.We need more people to advocate for medical assistance in dying.Thank you for sharing your story.

- K Orr

Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

When you are always right about everything...You may be right about others inappropriate behavior but perhaps they were laughs of shocked disbelief, not of derision? The real issue Sherri though is YOUR behavior. Address that.

- no laughing matter

Widow recounts husband’s assisted death as MPs set to revisit Bill C-7

I support her wholeheartedly especially when it comes to Canadians being able to pre plan end of life decisions while healthy. Whether that is passed or not I plan on doing it and my children who know and agree my wishes will get a signed copy as will my family doctor.

- Wondering Why

Residents seek development moratorium on 'sensitive' Oro Moraine

Developers and their politician pals will not stop until they have squeezed every filthy dollar out of every ecosystem they destroy. Ground water, forest, homes to thousands of species, all destroyed. We need a major mindset shift folks or there will be nothing left. Growth is not the answer. We need more Hartley Woodsides and Bob Bowles.

- DLBH

MPP warns system is letting under-trained truck drivers onto highways

Modern trucking: wage theft, wage slavery, no training, class lines drawn, superficial media analysis, misdirection, jackknived rigs, lost tires, unsecure loads, etc.In the 1980s, I was a Teamster a living wage, was well-trained and enjoyed a good life. My employer was Unitog Canada. They owed me a duty of care because employees are in a position of vulnerability v employers.2026: all drivers are now contracted out to broker trademark-based brokers. The vulnerability for abuse remains with this re-classification of (employee => sub-contractor) under law.Three forms of commercial legal relationships: 1. employee <=> employer, 2. sub-contractor <=> contractor, and 3. franchisee <=> franchisor.OPINION: Modern truckers are franchisees under the law. https://lesstewart.wordpress.com/The public loses as more tires fly off ON transport trucks, injuring and worse the driving public.

- Les Stewart

Oro-Medonte weighs options as Orillia plans to annex township land

There’s still stretches of vacant land IN Orillia that we aren’t developing. Why are we taking over more space to spread our resources thinner. Transit already costs a fortune, let alone servicing farther out. Stop thinking sprawl as the only solution.

- B Bee

Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

Find my well-researched/thought Amendment as some details are missing here:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AWm15Ghoj/There was no need to do anything other than consider amendments. The statement carried on 2025 at COW was not a Bylaw. The Bylaw was a draft on February 9 so I didn't argue the connection timeline. The Bylaw was thus moved and in the possession of Council on February 23 and therefore an amendment could be brought. I was warned none may be considered.All members had the amendment ahead of time - I have the receipts and will be posting shortly with the Strong Mayor's two contradictory statements: 'To Repeal or Not To Repeal'. Does the Bylaw once moved supersede the Committee of the Whole? Robert's Rules and long-time trainers of same say: YES.Find facts and receipts: https://www.facebook.com/sherribellward5Yesterday was a full-on bullying session. I noted so on my way out - the bullying will not stop me from doing what's right for Ramara's families.

- Sherri Bell

Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

My behavior is exemplary as I serve with dignity and integrity. Without prejudice, I offered a statement of regret that my questions were perceived as doing anything than seeking accountable and transparent governance. I was bullied and offered I was sorry the Strong Mayor felt the duty of scrutiny to somehow be outside the Act. Then a second statement of regret similar to the first. Finally, the statement that similar to the fist three statements without prejudice, I was sorry.With regard to the Ward 5 sewer expansion, the project has not been moved forward in a manner that upholds good governance and democracy. Again: the Council DID NOT deliberate the recent grant - I challenge you to find the Minutes that say it did.On procedure - beware and watch for my next post. Check my last two here:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1L2CfugkhS/https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KFG1ek2o2/It was the CAO laughing while Clarke bullied me so no IC but I've requested an apology.

- Sherri Bell

Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

It is a breath of fresh air to see a politician fight for their constituents.

- whoknows

Council approves purchase of grader by bumping plow replacement

Scooters are not meant to be driven in the winter…their wheels are too small and narrow.

- Wondering Why

Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

It sounds to me like the Councillor had genuine concerns and the mayor shut down debate... Again. Did the others ever respond to her question? Had they actually read the document?

- John R.