Joanie C
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COLUMN: McIsaac's dismissal of new CAO is a 'shameful power grab'
OrilliaMatters
50Thank you, Mark. Surely though, the mayor must realize how this looks and it doesn't look good.Council went through the process of vetting & hiring the person they felt was most qualified to do the job. And the mayor agreed, welcoming Mr. Lee to the team. Then a week before he starts his job, Mr. Lee is fired?People have been saying that the mayor "knew something", but why did he not speak up sooner, if that was the case? No mayor should have these powers. It's undemocratic.
1- Joanie C
POLL: Should cats be allowed outside? Our readers weigh in
31About a month ago, I wrote a letter to the Orillia Matters, regarding this. For whatever reason, it was not published.My two cats are kept indoors. We have bird-feeders in the yard. My cats love to watch the birds from the window. Lately, at least one neighbourhood cat has killed birds (& chipmunks) in my yard.Indoor cats live longer. They are safer from disease, parasites, attacks from other animals, the possibility of being struck by a car and/or from people who may wish to harm them.If you want to let your cat outside, build a catio or walk it with a harness and leash!
4- Joanie C
New cannabis store set to plant itself at busy Coldwater Road plaza
OrilliaMatters 9Within easy walking distance of a high school ... interesting.
18- Joanie C
Six-storey, 150-suite hotel on the horizon in west Orillia
OrilliaMatters 20If you're staying at a hotel, you're usually travelling, probably in your own vehicle.If all 150 units are occupied and each of those 150 people (families, couples, whatever) have a vehicle, there will only be 147 parking spaces available? Then three vehicles have to be parked somewhere else? That seems odd, unless they think that they'll never be at full capacity.Also, what about staff? There seems to be no parking for staff at all, except for days when they are well below capacity.Interesting approach to planning.
1- Joanie C
Our local news company has a big announcement to share
18Having access to local news is so important these days. Congratulations on the new launch!
3- Joanie C
Historic local family farm faces uncertain future amid urban boom
OrilliaMatters 20Agricultural land is so important. If there aren't farmers and farms to grow food, where are we then?I know housing is important, but we all need to eat.Farmers feed cities. I remember when Garfield Dunlop used to have a sign to that effect in his riding office.
1- Joanie C
'Significant changes': Lauer sounds alarm about future of church properties, pre-zoning issues
OrilliaMatters 16Thanks to Coun. Lauer for bringing this to light.While the need for housing & emergency shelters is and should be a priority, it is also important for those living in the area to know the possible impact of pre-zoning.It would be quite a surprise to have several eight-story buildings built in some very concentrated areas, with no input from those who live close by.
4- Joanie C
Plans unveiled for new dual-concept restaurant in Brewery Bay
OrilliaMatters 17This sounds like a great idea! Wishing you lots of success!
2- Joanie C
COLUMN: Orillia's 'forced sprawl' comes with a huge price tag
OrilliaMatters 13Excellent article.The loss of good farmland is so short-sighted, as is ignoring environmental concerns. Everyone needs food and clean water.
1- Joanie C
'This is theft': Property dispute leaves Orillia senior frustrated
OrilliaMatters 11It seems odd that this is a provincial matter and not a municipal one.
2- Joanie C
Company pulls plug on Orillia Square mall gaming store
OrilliaMatters 12This is too bad. We didn't go often, but we did shop there occasionally.So many stores have closed at the mall, even the lottery kiosk! As the saying goes, "It is so quiet, you could shoot off a cannon and not hit anybody!" Although I guess people will always go to Canadian Tire & No Frills.I remember when the mall was always busy. Malls used to be "the place" for a generation of teenagers to hang out, but not so anymore.
1- Joanie C
Bottoms up! New LCBO could be coming soon to west Orillia
OrilliaMatters 11It seems odd to me that a small city of about 31,000 people needs to have three liquor stores. And it's especially odd if people will also be able to buy alcohol at convenience stores and other locations.It seems excessive.
2- Joanie C
Local grandmother defies odds, earns degree at Lakehead University
OrilliaMatters 12Good for her! This is an inspiring story!
- Joanie C
Comic shop rises from ashes, will reopen at Orillia Square mall
OrilliaMatters 10This is great news!Hopefully, the store will do well in the new location & bring more customers to the mall.At least you don't have to pay for parking there.
- Joanie C
Almost half of the trees in the downtown could soon be uprooted
OrilliaMatters 9The trees are so lovely and provide welcome shade, but the roots have left the sidewalk in poor condition. I hate to see the trees go, but understand the safety concerns. It will be interesting to see what the redesign will be.
1- Joanie C
‘Special economic zones’ bill would let Ford government exempt any project from provincial laws
OrilliaMatters 8All of this is very concerning, but especially repealing the Endangered Species Act.
2- Joanie C
Local entrepreneurs purchase old Peavey Mart, vow to fill 'gap'
OrilliaMatters 9Excellent news.
- Joanie C
Fire causes 'considerable damage' to Forest Avenue home: chief
OrilliaMatters 9You hear of so many fires started by lithium batteries these days. I'm all for lessening our dependence on oil & gas, but perhaps more research needs to be done in order to prevent this type of thing, before electric vehicles become the norm.
- Joanie C
GUEST COLUMN: West Orillia is not right place for the new hospital
OrilliaMatters 7My former doctor used to walk to hospital all the time; not sure about my current doctor.
2- Joanie C
'Scandals and failures' not unique to Trudeau: LU professor
OrilliaMatters 4This was an interesting interview. Thank you.
5- Joanie C
