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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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Suitors line up with offers for Orillia's Champlain Monument

OrilliaMatters

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Sad to think Orillia is now known nationally as the city that will rewrite history, because they are certain they know exactly what happened a century ago, while so many other places in Canada are willing to acknowledge the importance of the monument as it was sculpted in it’s entirety and wish to save history to continue to learn from it, and yes, even celebrate Champlain, as over ten thousand did on the day it was unveiled.

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'Major milestone': Sign announcing new OSMH unveiled in west Orillia

OrilliaMatters

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No one debates whether a new hospital is needed for Orillia, the concern lies with few seeing just how this “preferred” site, will impact the wellness of so many in the community. Few can walk to new site for care, and cab costs, well. Bus rides do not work for many who are ill.A hospital in the core does help downtown, just ask businesses. So much for those green initiatives, few will walk to work by Lakehead….dont forget winter and how poorly University ave is kept. Just because you can get in a care and drive where you wish, doesn’t mean others can.How many patients won’t have visits, staff will tell you visits can be just as essential as medicine. Yes the land there looks great, and yes they wish to collaborate…can they not do that if the new hospital was in a more accessible location? Why are those making decisions so willing to ignore the needs of the vulnerable in exchange for a location beside the university? How is it that common sense never gets a vote anymore?

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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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OPEN LETTER: OSMH, Lakehead say it's time to 'seize this moment'

OrilliaMatters

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So, who will pay for the cab fares that will be more, for someone who could have walked to a central location to visit a loved one? (By the way, visits are proven to be good medicine) oh and bus rides to Lakehead will mean getting to a stop in the first place, and transfers, and time that many cannot sit for. Few staff will walk or bike to work…so much for green initiatives, have you tried walking over the bypass in winter? Staff are not going to head downtown to shop or have a meal after work..they will stay in west ridge, so much for helping downtown. How many vulnerable will forgo medical treatment because they cannot walk to emergency or for a test? If Lakehead wants to collaborate so much, why couldn’t they problem solve and do it at a more central location? Sad that those who need the hospital most, will now have added burdens to access it. Doubt my comments will be posted…after all, my thoughts are not popular.

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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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'Luxury butter cups': MP critiques PM spending $195K on in-flight meals

OrilliaMatters

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Wouldn’t it be better if the taxpayers money was spent on helping local food banks instead of feeding a Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers who can afford it on their own?

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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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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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'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.

Durnford weighs code of conduct complaint as mayor defends decision to resurrect Champlain

OrilliaMatters

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I have been part of more than a few committees in my day, and it was just fact that when a member removed themselves from participating, then they relinquished ANY say in the decisions made by the committee from then on. Given these two council members did just that, making a claim, or requesting some investigation into the decisions made by the remaining member , who happened to be the mayor, has no merit. If they were so concerned , then staying on the committee would have been a wiser choice.

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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??