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NDP leaves door open to supporting minority Liberal government budget

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I do not know of one young family, a senior, a veteran, a farmer, a small business owner, a victim of crime, or someone suffering with illness who is better off since the Liberals have been in power, and with this budget, I am not about to find anyone in the coming years.

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BREAKING: Champlain statue resurrected in Orillia park

OrilliaMatters

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Finally common sense prevails! History, well meaning or not, should never be erased or altered in any way, but remain for the generations to come, to learn what they choose to from history. Think that could be an important part of a society that is free to think for themselves.

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Blind Orillia massage therapist faces losing home, business and guide dog

OrilliaMatters

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It's my understanding she should find a paralegal that understands the workings of the Ontario Landlord Tenant board, especially since if the house is/was for sale, as a tenant, she would have gone with the sale to the new owner and then they would have had to have a hearing regarding her leaving, if the new owners wanted this. There is a thing in Ontario, called "Cash for keys" and the tenant can request x number of dollars (generally 3-6 months rent plus moving expenses as well, given the length of time she has been a tenant--it's not her fault the landlord has financial issues. Lastly, everyone needs to keep an eye on the place, because if the landlord does not move in, or if the place is sold, then its a bad faith eviction and she would be entitled to up to 12 months rent. One has to wonder, is there a sale pending but it wont go through, unless she isn't there-and she cannot be evicted for a sale. Hope someone is able to recommend a paralegal for her

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Recycling dispute escalates as Emterra refuses to take cardboard after nine weeks of neglect

OrilliaMatters

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How can anyone who works for Emterra hold their head up high? Absolutely shameful behaviour from management and employees. Whatever happened to companies fixing what they did not do and were contracted to do? I hope the reporter has video of what took place, as you cannot make this up-a recycling company refusing cardboard--they should have their contract voided immediately, and go back to the previous reliable company.

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Hospital governance shake-up alarms Orillia community leaders

OrilliaMatters

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If the hospital board has such complete disregard for our veterans and the community, that they will not only remove representatives without any input from the two groups impacted, but even entertain the idea in the first place, then what else are they planning to change behind closed doors? OSMH has a significant history of providing exceptional care under very challenging conditions, but it has done so in part by the generous contributions of said veterans and community. Any board member who agreed with this decision should be dismissed, and new members chosen, ones that have a thorough understanding of the value of our veterans and our community.

Public hearing set for proposed 4-storey development in Orillia

OrilliaMatters

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Not sure who came up with the idea people in Orillia do not need a vehicle, but many families actually have two, so that the income earners can get to work. Parking spaces are needed for said vehicles, and by consistently approving developments with even less than one parking space per unit, will result in neighbourhood issues. Add to that, and by having so minimal visitor spaces, the city is creating increasing stress for those who require home care, as their care givers have no where to park--and they need to park, they do not take transit to get to their clients. I may have missed it, but I did not see any reference to having handicapped spaces either--and yes spaces, because one is not sufficient in a larger development. Lastly, with so few visitor spaces, are residents in any development supposed to hold a family and friends lottery to see which one might get to visit on a certain date, where has common sense gone? PS--notice I never mentioned the impact of being in the snowbelt!

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'Not safe': Mom fights back after dead-end bus stop moved to highway

OrilliaMatters

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Sounds to me like those who plan the bus routes, were not impressed that a parent stood up for their child's safety, and won. Time has passed, so now they will try again, thinking that the parent will give up the fight. Don't stop O'Neills--you pay taxes for your children to be taken safely to school-its not a courtesy, school transportation is a necessity in the country. Just because something has been done for years, without any issues, doesn't mean it should be changed to suit some analysis by those who do not live in the area, nor do they have children who's safety will be compromised. I do hope all who supported the ONeill's last time, will step up once again and do the right thing.

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Ford goes on rant, scolds school boards for overspending

OrilliaMatters

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Any reasonable taxpayer-no matter their political preference, would rant too, when they find out a large percentage of their hard earned money is not going towards the education needs of children, but to exceptionally poor choices of board members. No wonder there are so many issues at the school levels when those that are to oversee things cannot make decisions that any reasonable person would. If one board thinks it is fine to go overseas and purchase $100,000 of artwork, what have other boards decided they can do....because if one does questionable things, word will have spread and who knows what others got away with. Instead of implying Ford was out of control in his comments, how about emphasizing the reckless spending of those who are in places of trust...the trustees.

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BREAKING: Carney Liberals clinch majority with wins in two Toronto byelections

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Last night marks the end of Canadian democracy. We are nothing more now than a country of back room deals so a leader who he himself said it is time for "the new world order" can literally rule the way he believes is right, not everyday Canadians. Anyone who believes that getting friendly with China is going to be a good idea, needs to look at just how "free" that country is. Don't forget, we already do not have complete access to ALL news from around the world--just the news the govt says is okay, and remember too, shortly, those who dare to speak about something, someone finds not to their liking, will be prime for prosecution.....remind you of any country Canada does trade with? Oh yes, it's truly a "great time" in Canadian history!

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'Huge issue': Councillors pitch city-wide 40 km/h pilot project

OrilliaMatters

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Here's a novel idea-how about fixing Orillia sidewalks so people could use them safely year round, and maintain a distance from vehicles doing any speed? Streets have been 50km/hr for many many years, and yes any fatality is one too many, however, I do not recall daily, weekly or even monthly reports of pedestrian accidents. Maybe statistics could be provided, rather than changing things because other places do it. Is there still road safety taught to children, the first few years of school? If not, maybe time to bring Elmer the Safety Elephant back.

Orillia road crews say pothole calls are piling up after wild winter

OrilliaMatters

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Hmmm....so water is the cause of potholes. Now I dont pretend to know all the ins and outs of potholes, but seems to me, if Orillia streets were plowed to pavement bare, there would be a whole lot less potholes to repair, and the money saved would be available to increase the much needed plowing/snow removal/snowbank cutback for safety. Just a thought

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'Mean spirited': Residents raise stink over cost of sewer system

OrilliaMatters

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Sounds to me like those 81 families, many of which will have more than one voter in the household, will be making a major impact on the upcoming elections in October. As well, given this is not the only concern affecting Ramara residents, it will be interesting to see just who from the present elected officials remain following voting day.

COLUMN: Emergency room wait times have become 'unacceptable'

OrilliaMatters

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Sadly, anyone relying on our healthcare system, will quickly find, it is not what it once was. It never grew as our population grew, and now we do not have sufficient numbers of physicians, nurses, paramedics, stretchers in ER, technicians to run diagnostic equipment etc. Even if money was increased, proper training for any of these professions takes years, and in the mean time, population continues to expand, not to mention time to build space. Time impacts family physicians as well, which if we had enough, less would need to go to ER for concerns that could be taken care of in an office. A short term answer would be great, but for the long term, start now promoting a career in healthcare to high school students. Begin to make the changes needed within healthcare professions to make them more work/life balance friendly, so they will appeal. Cover the cost of additional heath services, such as physio, naturopath, chiropractic, massage therapy, etc so people can be helped in these ways.

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Local snow-plow operators facing 'progressively worse' threats

OrilliaMatters

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Those who have been around a while, know these "significant weather events" are not new this century. There are still those with memories of similar, or worse major snowstorms, photos to prove banks as high as stop signs and beyond. The thing that isn't remembered, is local citizens being upset over the snow removal in their areas. I have to wonder, was it because operators did not have unreasonable policies that they had to adhere too--it was simply do the job, sand and plow the roads, so people could get safely where they needed to go. Operators back then, could be counted on, soon as the snow flew. These days, no one knows when they will see a plow, and many can tell you , they often use their own farm tractors to plow concessions to help neighbours out, even ambulances and fire trucks, because no plow has been by. Don't get me wrong- violence of any kind, is uncalled for, but maybe give some thought to the citizens complaints as well-listen to both sides.

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High snow banks spark debate over winter road safety in Orillia

OrilliaMatters

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By refusing to address safety issues, with regards to the snow operations, both plowing and removal, most council members are sending a message they do not care what their citizens encounter through storms and the days following. Orillians pay more than enough taxes, and given it is the snowbelt area, winters like this should be no shock to anyone. Council should be able to budget accordingly for more than 10 days of snow removal, not to mention, rethink their priorities--the majority of citizens live on those so called side roads and must navigate daily to get to work, medical appts, school etc. Costs of additional snow removal would be minor compared to a lawsuit when someone is injured, or worse. Leaving this issue until after winter, only increases the risk further. I hope it doesn't take a serious event to get everyone's attention. By the way, its snowing again, and there is more to come--where will it be put??

Simcoe County councillors see red over blue-box pickup problems

OrilliaMatters

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Would be interesting to know, did the family with the garage full of recycling have everything picked up to satisfaction on their part, not the company's, and also those who need to contact Emterra, are they actually getting through, as so many have said they either get no answer, voicemail and no return call, or a busy signal. People do not have all day to spend on a phone to voice a valid concern. Seems to me that the county officials will need to continue to hold Circular Materials as well as Emterra to accountability, as they are rather quick to blame everyday factors in Simcoe County for their service problems, instead of being prepared for what residents are well aware is part of living in this area

Oro-Medonte mayor avoids formal penalty for 'off-colour' comment

OrilliaMatters

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I hear there are many in Oro-Medonte, who cannot wait for October.....election day!

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Faith and community come together at new Orillia Thrift Store

OrilliaMatters

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Well done Shelly, Nancy and all the amazing volunteers who help make the Orillia Thrift Store the very special place it is. I have not encountered anyone who has not enjoyed their time spent shopping (and socializing) at the store. You are truly making a difference for so many!

'Painful step backward': Oro-Medonte accepts annexation proposal

OrilliaMatters

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I suspect many Oro-Medonte residents have Oct 26, 2026 marked on their calendars....the date when their voices will finally be heard.

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County weighs mandatory green-bin use for garbage pickup

OrilliaMatters

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The County has forgotten that well known environmentally friendly thing called composting....so what do families that compost do come November? Put a few perfectly compostable items in their green bin to satisfy the latest rule for waste management and the rest in their composter? Next thing you know, there will be a new position at county to go door to door to examine everyone's composters to ensure compliance--does no one see how overreaching this is getting?