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COLUMN: Why are Orillia’s sidewalks impassable days after snowfall?

OrilliaMatters

22

And the City currently has a walkability survey on its website. I encourage everyone to fill it in. And then again when the snow is gone. The downtown BIA had to purchase its own little sidewalk plow this year and some businesses abide by the by-law that states downtown business owners are responsible for the sidewalk in front of their business. And some realize that people have to get to the sidewalk from their car so they also clear a little path to the road through the snow bank. Thank you to those businesses. Outside the downtown - walking is an Olympic sport. And I think you got a gold Mark!

Experts offer tips to save your lawn during Orillia's dry spell

OrilliaMatters

9

To avoid wasting valuable water, especially treated city water, we need to move away from traditional grass lawns to other ground covers. Some large lawns never have children playing on them - just lawnmowers.

3

Will PC candidates be allowed to speak during election campaign? Premier won’t say

OrilliaMatters

12

And can someone explain why it is becoming common to run for public office, ask us for our vote and then NOT talk to the media or the public about the party's policies, platform and plans for our future? If there is something to be proud of, and that will benefit us, let's hear it. And if other parties have other views, don't we want to hear them too, so we know how to vote? I thought that was the democratic process.

'Worst year': Orillia business owner calls for downtown parking changes

OrilliaMatters

11

Decades ago free parking allowed downtown employees to park free all day which did not encourage customer turnover. A small fee discouraged that practice. The app makes it easier to park and alerts you to add more time if enjoying lunch or taking longer than expected. Some city planners think parking rates should be high to encourage more foot and bicycle traffic, and some think it should be free to encourage people to come downtown rather than malls. The City and downtown may need to look at all the issues that will improve traffic flow downtown. Recent weather, with icy sidewalks and impassable snowbanks along with sidewalk construction in the fall may have affected business. I love the downtown and I am lucky enough to be able to walk there. More downtown housing, better snow clearing, more off street parking lots, first hour free - it may need a multi faceted approach. We all need to support our downtown or we will lose it. I agree - ditch Amazon and shop local.

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Perception vs. reality: Is crime in downtown Orillia an 'epidemic'?

OrilliaMatters

7

Perhaps we are making assumptions and connections about multiple issues which all need attention: homelessness, addiction, mental health and just plain bad behaviour.I owned a business downtown in the 1980's and had to deal with a fair amount of shoplifting. It was mainly women, often regular customers, often well known citizens, who had enough money to pay but had some psychological need to shoplift. This is not a new problem but is now exacerbated by all the visibly homeless, and addicted individuals.

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Many students can't cover basics such as food and housing: TD poll

OrilliaMatters

6

I agree, In the late 60s and 70's it was a great deal easier to get into post secondary programs, find well paying summer jobs, and find housing.

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Many students can't cover basics such as food and housing: TD poll

OrilliaMatters

5

Unless you are training in a very specific profession like law or medicine, what is wrong with studying History, English, outdoor Ed, Music, whatever and then choosing another field or career. This adds diversity and understanding across disciplines and broadens everyone's view. And blending a little law with medicine, or plumbing, or being able to sing while you work - may all be good things. I think post secondary education is intended to make you curious, open up a world of inquiry, perhaps broaden your views, make you a critical thinker, able to question social media and unsubstantiated news, be open to other opinions and give you an understanding of the world beyond your own family and community.

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OPINION: Carbon tax is working, not to blame for inflation

OrilliaMatters

3

I'm not sure why it is called a carbon tax when it's intended to be revenue neutral. The intention is not to raise money but to change behaviour. Changing people's behaviour is extremely challenging so if the research shows that this is working then we will all benefit. Now the govt needs to do even more - policies and funding to help us change our behaviour - improved public transportation, more renewable energy options, walkable neighbourhoods. We can do more

3

Petition launched to reinstate Trevor Lee as Orillia's CAO

OrilliaMatters

5

The Strong Mayor Powers could slowly (or quickly) erode our democratic system. Even if more information comes out about this case of unilateral decision making, the damage is done. Who will want to run for council, spend all their time reading breifings, by-laws, depositions, provincial regulations, etc etc. meet with and listen to constituents, and show up to countless committee and council meetings, if your time and effort doesn't count for anything in the end?

BIA antes up $52,000 for new downtown Orillia sidewalk plow

OrilliaMatters

3

Thank you DOBIA for looking for a solution. The snow clearing will never be fast or perfect enough for all pedestrians especially those with mobility issues. But this IS winter in Canada and we do our best to enjoy or endure it.

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COLUMN: Christmas lights in Orillia reflect more than just the season

OrilliaMatters

3

A lovely read on a cold dark wintery evening. Thank you.

Local eatery raising money to support Alberta wildfire relief efforts

OrilliaMatters

2

And where is this bistro? It would be helpful if articles like this included a location, at least the name of the community.

City OKs 22 new paid parking spaces for downtown Orillia streets

OrilliaMatters

1

There are sidewalks in Orillia that need attention but this one looks pretty good to me, until the snow banks make it impossible to get to the sidewalk.

1

Converting 1970s gas boat an electrifying experience for Severn brothers

OrilliaMatters

2

Kudos for ingenuity and a way to save the environment from more pollution.

Local grandmother defies odds, earns degree at Lakehead University

OrilliaMatters

1

What an inspiration. Congratulations to Virginia and to Lakehead for being age friendly.

Meet the so-called 'bed blockers' in Ontario's hospitals

OrilliaMatters

1

I worked in the health care 'system' for decades. There is no 'system'. There are silos of care and many people either don't fit in the right silo or one doesn't exist for them. And each silo is competing for funding. We need not only more funding for home care and other care options but also improved collaboration throughout the system and patient navigators for seamless transitions of care. With an aging population this is even more urgent. Every provincial govt in over 30 yrs has promised this - none have fully delivered. Remember the closing of the HRC when the govt promised more care in the community for the residents?

'Inspiring': Orillia brothers behind successful local business lauded

OrilliaMatters

1

This is a such a positive report in a world of chaos.

Farmers dig in over Oro-Medonte’s draft short-term rental bylaw

OrilliaMatters

It seems that everyone knows which type of short term rental should be controlled or banned, but it seems challenging to put it into legal language. Many residents lives have been disrupted by rotating weekend or short term large crowds who show no respect for the neighbours, or the property. And the absent owner doesn't seem to care. Until Airbnb, long tie cottage owners also kept their cottage by renting to usually responsible people. A farm rental or experience sounds like a positive experience for both the farmer and guests. I hope they sort this out.

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Donated waterfront property likely to become new park in Severn

OrilliaMatters

1

I am so tired of thoughtless negative quips. I don't know where this is but what a generous donation. As we isolate and mistrust more, more public land will enhance any community. I wish Orillia could purchase or reclaim as much waterfront as possible. And yes we also have to solve or manage the homeless and housing crisis.

'Disappointing': High costs derail Orillia’s red light camera plan

OrilliaMatters

1

It appears that more drivers are running red lights and stop signs and making right turns without checking for pedestrians. Over the decades most vehicles have become higher, larger and heavier - which can cause more serious injury to pedestrians or cyclists. This isn't just an Orillia issue so It would be good to see some research on the problem and possible solutions - before more people are injured or killed.