Truper

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POLL: Should cats be allowed outside? Our readers weigh in

Nothing more irritating than the garden being dug up and their sh#$ left behind, as well as "spraying" on my property when I don't own a cat and never have! Licences and leashes for cats - YES!

- Truper

Poll: Three-quarters don't tip at takeout or fast food restaurants

"Tipping" is a touchy subject these days. Many who have commented have shown this in their statements. Quite frankly, we used to go out for a meal quite often, and as many have said here, a tip is left on the table upon leaving the establishment. The basis of the amount of tip left depended on the quality of the meal and service which we received. However, things change, and now tips are a "demand", and not earned. Those who have earned a tip often don't receive what has been added to the meal bill. % of tip... again a demand - and I have even been to places where the % went up pending on the number of guests at the table! We have decided not to go out as often, the costs are too rich for us! 2 burgers and fries plus a drink for as much as $40.00 is crazy!!! and then the demanded tip on top of it all...

- Truper

COLUMN: McIsaac's dismissal of new CAO is a 'shameful power grab'

OrilliaMatters

Without the "bridge of trust" within the Council chambers, productivity has effectively been halted, and the City and it's citizens are the one who will suffer for it. The fact McIsaac acted the way he did, should be worrisome to you all, especially when he offers no explanation for his decision and actions. The entire issue stinks! Should Mr. Lee sue as a result, I for one, feel McIsaac should be held solely responsible of any wrong doings, since he acted alone on these decisions, and satisfy and financial findings of the courts out of his wallet - and not the City's taxpayers. A vote of "non- confidence " should be happening now!, and kick Mc's sorry bottom off Council.

- Truper

Did mayor blow the lid off CAO firing controversy with 'hypothetical' scenario?

OrilliaMatters

R.Baxter, I appreciate your comments, and totally agree with what you have written. I believe this 'strong mayor power' is simply a stepping stone moving closer to dictatorship - and the non-transparency surrounding decisions made, such as the recent CAO is the proof in the pudding! We, as tax payers, have every right to know ALL the details when this policy is used, since it is involving our $$$, and our City.

- Truper

'Deeply saddened': Suspended without answers, baseball coach Jack White confronts old shadows

OrilliaMatters

I don't personally know Mr. White, but judging from all I have read, he seems to be an outstanding citizen of Orillia. The actions of OLMB and OBA are unacceptable, leaving Mr. White in the dark regarding the suspension. I assume Craig Flood remains representing Mr. White, and I would hope that not just mentioning the Human Right's Commission to the OLMB, but actually lodging a formal complaint has taken place. I would also hope a law suit is being presented naming both OLMB and OBA for their actions.

- Truper

Nearly a year later, first-time homebuyer pays squatters to leave

OrilliaMatters

You would think the bank should be held responsible in some way, for not ensuring the property was empty and the outstanding water, and property clean up was taken care of. Further, once the property has a new owner, why can't the police remove these "smuck" squatters as unwanted guests like in the old days? I like the idea someone mentioned of "squatter laws", to give a source of action in these cases.

- Truper

'This is theft': Property dispute leaves Orillia senior frustrated

OrilliaMatters

Just a thought ..... maybe some onus should fall upon the realtors ensuring when they are acting as an agent for the seller or buyer - make them earn some of that high fee they are collecting! I have no idea what the Real Estate Act states, but I think it should include something to cover this. :)

- Truper

'It's the safety': City exploring speed camera program for Orillia

OrilliaMatters

Interesting comments on this subject. However I can't stop thinking that all those who yell "CASH GRAB" would be those getting their picture taken :)

- Truper

Three hunters hit with $27K in fines for illegal moose kills

OrilliaMatters

Is disappointing to learn these three received bans from hunting of only one and two years. I believe their deliberate actions displayed warranted life time bans from ever hunting again. As it stands, other species of wildlife will targeted by these "hunters", and could very well suffer the same plight as the calf moose did. Though we will never know, I would bet it wasn't the first illegal hunt these folks had participated in!!!

- Truper

Ontario MPPs to get $40K annual salary bump and new pension plan

OrilliaMatters

I believe everyone deserves increases, to keep up with cost of living and so on....but having said that, I feel it is totally wrong to "give yourself the raise"! Imagine if we all had this opportunity to fatten our wallets.....Winning an election is like winning the lottery I guess

- Truper

'Nobody feels safe': Councillor calls for upgrades at city intersection

OrilliaMatters

Maybe, instead of putting all the blame and pressure on the police, DRIVERS should start driving like they had to to pass their driving test to get a licence!!!

- Truper

'Broken system' leaves Ramara landlords to foot bill for tenants trashing their home

OrilliaMatters

Renting - the whole system is totally off the rails, and has been for many years. Sure, its easy to blame Doug Ford, why not? But he really didn't create the problem, its been around a long time. Landlords take advantage of the times with "over the top" rents, in most cases the "income properties" are older and in very poor condition. So why would tenants respect the property? Not being a landlord or a tenant I really shouldn't be commenting, but will offer a thought, that better control of a renting situation in Ontario would be a firmer controlled rental agreement (contract), offering safety avenues to both the tenant and landlord should either party not fulfill their part. Example, rent not paid, or something not immediately repaired and so on - the contract would be broken. cheers

- Truper

'Slap in the face': Roof collapse at Starport Marina still causing waves of frustration for local boaters

OrilliaMatters

Hey, like with anything else that is insured, if you are not happy and feel hard done by, then sue both the marina and the insurance companies involved, simple as that!!!

- Truper

Union calls for $1.4B emergency infusion to stop college 'crisis'

OrilliaMatters

Further to what has been mentioned, perhaps some cut in pay may help matters. Face it, with whats coming down the tube with the forecasted trade wars, everyone is going to have their hand out for government money .... 4 years of lay offs and misery ahead!

- Truper

As OPP costs soar, county explores options for regional police force

OrilliaMatters

Not so long ago, the RCMP in Surrey, BC were replaced by their own police service - they are still in the midst of the change over with RCMP assisting while Surrey police are being trained. Even though the local politicians were aware of the huge start-up costs, they went ahead with their plan. Shortly after the Surrey police force was formed, there was a cry out to have the RCMP back because of these costs!!! Maybe a lesson to be learned here? A regional force won't be any cheaper to operate, yet there will be huge start up expenses!!

- Truper

'We all lose': OSS students petition to save their football season

OrilliaMatters

When I went to high school, all extra circular activities available to the students were very important in many ways. However, that was many many years ago, so maybe things may have changed (but I doubt it!). I can totally understand these students desire to play football, and the fact a few kids last year decided to withdraw their dedication should not factor into this year's team. Mr. Greven has hung up his cleats, so what? Is he the only coach this school has who can replace him and put a team together? Again, I doubt it. Why is the school administration going silent?, what are they hiding from? There is a lot more going on here than meets the eye.... To Seamus McGee, credit to you for not giving up, good on you! Any team would want players like you, that I am sure of!

- Truper

McIsaac relinquishes hiring, firing authority, holds onto other strong mayor powers

OrilliaMatters

This entire situation is a "crooked arrow" through the heart of Orillia!

- Truper

COLUMN: Hockey Canada’s 'questionable' roster decisions on full display

OrilliaMatters

Good ol' Canadian hockey politics has played it's part at the world major Jr level once again, and the wheels will remain off until the "system" is rebuilt. From Peter Anholt down to the "scouting" of the selected Canadian Jr team, changes needed to be made. Why Anholt has been selected as GM two years in a row is beyond me, definitely not the best choice Country-wide. Who controls that selection, and what leash do "they" have around his neck? We have far better hockey people in this Country from the GM down to the scouting, but there seems to be an invisible hurdle in place as to why they are not being used!

- Truper

COLUMN: Only MNR would ‘fix’ moose lottery with more confusion

OrilliaMatters

WOW! Talk about confusing!! I will start off by saying I am an experienced hunter, but not in Ontario. Since moving here from BC I have given up the hunt. I never realized how the system here is so confusing, and have no idea how "points" come into play when putting in for a draw. I will comment on what i do know, and that is the BC system. Their management of wildlife seemed to be working very well for moose, elk, grizzly bear, and fisheries. The last time I put in for a draw the system was set up for a 'group' hunt, which is up to 4 hunters on one application. You were allowed to only submit once per species. If successful, you likely would not get a tag the next year, however perhaps one of the others in your group would be lucky enough to get one. After they brought this system into play, wildlife populations began to grow.

- Truper

COLUMN: It's time for governments to drop the secrecy routine

OrilliaMatters

Charter of Rights - drawn up by lawyers, to keep lawyers employed!!!

- Truper