Wildheir
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Orillia digging out after average month of snow falls in 3 days
OrilliaMattersWhy would you quote only an amateur weather watcher and not also a scientist or government meteorology expert? It must be the weekend.
21- Wildheir
COLUMN: Putting OMAH, iconic building at risk is 'shameful' ploy
OrilliaMatters
17I suppose OMAH needs a lawyer's counsel to understand their options in light of a potentially significant change in their financial relationship with the City of Orillia. And likely needs a lawyer to participate in the negotiations related to the renewal of the lease on the Sir Sam Steele Building, due next year.
3- Wildheir
'People need homes, not handcuffs': New bill panned by local advocate
OrilliaMatters 13In my view, drug use most often begins as a personal choice. That’s why it’s essential that we equip our children with the knowledge and skills to make informed, healthy decisions. Let’s prioritize and properly fund comprehensive education that supports prevention and resilience.
5- Wildheir
All Simcoe County school buses cancelled today
OrilliaMatters 5The Consortium seems overly quick to cancel school buses and put the burden of transportation on busy parents without much notice.
12- Wildheir
Kubota plans major expansion, hiring push in Orillia
OrilliaMatters 10Such nonsense to belittle those younger than you.
3- Wildheir
COLUMN: Putting OMAH, iconic building at risk is 'shameful' ploy
OrilliaMatters 7According to the Ontario Museum Association, "Municipalities serve as the largest government funder for the majority of smaller Ontario museums—those with annual revenues under $2 million—supporting over 700 institutions across the province."It's a credit to Orillia's many mayors and council members that the city has provided significant support and fostered an excellent two-way relationship with the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) for 27 years. Let's hope this commitment continues—OMAH delivers substantial cultural, educational, and economic benefits to our community.OMA quote source: https://museumsontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Museums-and-Your-Municipality_Jan-2021.pdf?utm_source=perplexity
4- Wildheir
COLUMN: What can we do, in Orillia, in the face of tyranny?
OrilliaMatters 10Well written, Mark. I believe many groups, organizations, and individuals are working hard to uphold social sanity. However, powerful and well-funded forces are pushing us toward the precipice of intolerance—a point we must never cross again. A student of honest history recognizes the horrors of the steps that lead us there, a path we are already treading. It’s time to change direction—by choosing love, unity, and cooperation.
1- Wildheir
Orillia digging out after average month of snow falls in 3 days
OrilliaMattersHere is a link to a more complete current weather story from AP for comparison: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/05/major-winter-storm-snow-ice-brutal-cold
11- Wildheir
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Township moves to protect Oro Moraine as vital natural asset
OrilliaMatters 9We completely support this initiative. Let's hope for Township success in designating and protecting the Oro Moraine
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‘Slap in the face’: Legion launches petition against OSMH decision
OrilliaMatters 5Boards need to evolve, adapt and align with the modern needs of the institution and organization they lead. The board usually knows better than the public what the impact of its structure is on its ability to perform its governance role. It is easy for a Legion member who has the qualifications required to apply to be elected to a seat on the board of almost any organization. I'm confident that includes the hospital, even after these governance changes.
4- Wildheir
Price tag of new Orillia hospital could top $1 billion, council hears
OrilliaMatters 8If I had a magic wand, I’d build a teaching hospital next to Lakehead University’s Orillia campus and establish a medical training program there. Training doctors locally would increase the chances of them staying in our beautiful and welcoming community. A win-win-win for Orillia!
- Wildheir
Northern Ontario residents, evacuated by wildfires, coming to region
OrilliaMatters 4EW, your compassion and concern are evident, and I appreciate your desire to help. That said, it's important to recognize that First Nations communities may not welcome outside efforts that haven’t involved them directly. Even well-intentioned initiatives can feel paternalistic if they presume to speak for Indigenous Peoples rather than with them.Before launching or promoting campaigns like this, I encourage you to reach out to First Nations leaders and organizations to ask what support they actually want. Listening is the first step in true allyship. Efforts rooted in respectful collaboration—not assumption—are far more likely to result in meaningful and lasting change.
3- Wildheir
GUEST COLUMN: West Orillia is not right place for the new hospital
OrilliaMatters 3I strongly disagree with this opinion from a Toronto-based real estate executive commenting from a distance. Those of us who live in the Orillia area and rely on local healthcare—who pay our taxes here and support our institutions—deserve to have our voices prioritized.Let’s focus on getting the new hospital built without further delay. Quibbling over whether it’s a few kilometres east, west, or south risks undermining urgently needed progress on a critical public service.
4- Wildheir
Mayor outlines updates on speed cameras, train station, housing
OrilliaMatters 2@RickyRivet I understand the concern about where the money goes—but I’d suggest the real “winners” should be our community’s children and their families. If these cameras get even a handful of drivers to finally slow down in school zones, that’s a win for safety. One day, one of those kids might grow up to save your life. Let’s protect them now.
4- Wildheir
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Collingwood sends chainsaws, workers to clear Orillia's fallen trees
OrilliaMatters 6Grateful for any and all assistance that will help restore power, especially in rural areas where no power also means no water plus crawlspace flood concerns. Thanks.
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Owner says Oro Station automotive park gearing up to open in
OrilliaMatters 3Nonsense numbers, in my opinion. I don't believe any of it. We will see. I hope it turns out at least 25% of what they are promising.
2- Wildheir
Orillia speed cameras nab over 2,000 drivers within first month
OrilliaMatters 5I’d be interested to know how many DIFFERENT vehicles were recorded speeding by these cameras, as I suspect a significant number of repeat offenders. Speeding is often habitual, not a one-time lapse. It would also be useful to see the average penalty per vehicle during the first month of operation—this would provide a clearer picture of the system’s impact and effectiveness.
- Wildheir
Coughlin uses strong mayor powers to get Barrie land deal done
OrilliaMatters 2Looks like the 'Barrie Bullies' will get their way. It feels like the Townships caved in. I hope the final outcome (the impact on the area) is better than I fear it will be.
3- Wildheir
'Bittersweet': Popular fry shack became victim of its own success
OrilliaMatters 4Let's hope they improve their food quality as well. There are many restaurants within a ten-minute drive that sell the same menu choices.
1- Wildheir
Barrie to spend $250K to fly massive flag for Canada Day near Hwy.
OrilliaMatters 3I love the idea of the flag and huge flagpole but I am very surprised at the overall cost. Most of the cost must be in the pole and installation. I hope it is illuminated at night.
1- Wildheir
