Shelle Hossack
24834 
COLUMN: McIsaac shows what can go wrong with strong mayor powers
OrilliaMatters
29"Judging by comments on social media, the mayor is definitely on the losing side of public opinion. Unfortunately, it probably doesn’t matter," Barry Ward writes. Oh I think it does matter and it will especially matter come election time. The residents of Orillia and surrounding areas won't forget this move by the mayor.
1- Shelle Hossack
Orillia sees another senior staff departure as treasurer/CFO resigns
OrilliaMatters 29You Mr. Mayor don't know why Orillia's treasurer and chief financial officer has resigned? You don't concern yourself with matters like this? I find this really weird.
- Shelle Hossack
'Blatant abuse of power' by mayor sparks outrage from residents
OrilliaMatters 22The comments in the article by Ms. Hehn, Ms. Carpenter, Ms. Goodall and Mr. Reid are well thought out and mirror my sentiments on this issue. This measure of strong mayor powers is definitely a huge step backward in our democratic election process/system. At the time I read the article and voted on the issue of strong mayor powers in Orillia, over 71% of those who voted said "no, decisions should be made collectively by council." I don't live in Orillia but I am a neighbour in Severn, and from the attitude and behaviour I have seen of Mr. McIsaac, with him having this "power" over his council I am quite unnerved. I agree with Jodie Wilson that the mayor should resign.
6- Shelle Hossack
'Dangerous and perilous': Resident worried about new parking near busy downtown intersection
OrilliaMatters 15The problem isn't the parking spaces but rather the fact that people are terrible drivers and that they don't pay attention, drive too fast, and are still being distracted by their devices. Cameras at these busy locations should be considered. JMO.
7- Shelle Hossack
It's a 'mess': Developer builds 'road' through protected wetland
OrilliaMatters 19These builders who think they can do whatever they want on protected wetlands need to pay and pay dearly. This road needs to be removed and the wetland restored AND the bill should go to the builder. They have no respect for our environment and the devastating consequences. It is all about greed and selfishness.
- Shelle Hossack
'Pivotal moment': Possible boundary expansion on table at forum
OrilliaMatters 11Yes, please consider your neighbours in your future plans. The reason we don't live in Orillia is because we don't want to and we like our peaceful and sparsely populated communities. I get so tired of hearing about Orillia's needs which sound more like wants. When I drive around Orillia I see so many things that could be improved upon. Maybe worry about what is within your boundary before you take away part of our communities.
8- Shelle Hossack
Orillia could get strong mayor powers ... on a permanent basis
OrilliaMatters 19I hate to say this but mayors don't always know best. In the case of Orillia's mayor am I wrong that he only returned to this area a few years ago after living in the US of A for years? The councillors are probably more familiar with the people and the area than he is. After the boondoggle this past week this mayor should resign anyway. Giving them all this power does not seem like a good plan.
- Shelle Hossack
COLUMN: Orillia's 'forced sprawl' comes with a huge price tag
OrilliaMatters 15A very enlightening article. This statement pretty much sums it up; "If everyone’s OK with a model where costs escalate endlessly, services diminish, the environment is eroded and farms vanish while a few people get very rich and a growing majority struggle to pay for groceries and housing, well, OK." Hopefully, the Mayor and council of Orillia can see the downside as there really isn't an upside. JMO.
1- Shelle Hossack
California wildfires spark local resident's concern over fireworks
OrilliaMatters 12I don't understand, maybe because I detest fireworks, the need for fireworks. Sure they are pretty and you get to "oooh and aaah" and a few minutes later the prettiness is over and destruction isn't. Absolutely they could spark fires. They also kill so many birds and probably other wildlife. Time to get with the times and stop fireworks completely. Ya, I am a kill-joy but I would prefer not to have to worry about my house burning down since I live in a forested area and have neighbours who set fireworks off regularly. Let's be more responsible.
4- Shelle Hossack
'A shock': Fionn MacCool's closes doors, lays off about 20 staffers
OrilliaMatters 15Such a shame to have great faithful employees (who are willing to offer suggestions to improve the success of the restaurant) and customers and then treat them so shabbily. It is so unfortunate that a lot of local businesses are geared to the tourists and that they forget that the locals support the community and the businesses ALL year long.
- Shelle Hossack
CAO fired by Orillia mayor before starting his job 'bewildered' by unexpected termination
OrilliaMatters 12Wow. That is just wrong. Would be nice to know the real reason behind the mayor's move. Good on council for doing what is right and just. Mr. Lee, just so you know many of us do not agree with the mayor's tactics.
1- Shelle Hossack
Still reeling from ice storm, Orillia keeps 'getting punches in the face’
OrilliaMatters 11Going into Day 7 without power and then I have to see Ms. Dunlop with a big smile on her face. People are throwing out destroyed food, bailing out their basements, not being able to bathe, kids missing school and you would think a photo showing a bit of concern would make for a better photo-op; maybe to show that she cares. And a huge hats off to all the Hydro workers!!!
1- Shelle Hossack
COLUMN: Outage leaves thousands feeling powerless 7 days after storm
OrilliaMatters 11Thanks, Dave, for your article. Your compassion is appreciated. We are at the end of Day 8 without power. It has not been easy, however, some are worse off than I am. We appreciate all the efforts of Hydro and any outside agencies who are willing to help their "neighbours". What I would ask is that our MPP stop with the smiling photo-ops. Not what we need to see right now especially as she is the Emergency Management Minister and here we are "in the dark" so to speak. Very insensitive on her part.
- Shelle Hossack
'Stick in the eye': Greenbelt resolution runs into wave of opposition at city hall
OrilliaMatters 8You say you have excellent staff that you are listening to but you also have to listen to experts like Margaret Prophet, executive director of the Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition, when it comes to expansion and saving protected lands. What happens around your city impacts not only the city but also your neighbours in other townships. Don't be like Barrie and be bullies. I think you have more urgent issues to deal with at this time. Look after what is happening within your boundaries before you look beyond.
3- Shelle Hossack
'Stick in the eye': Greenbelt resolution runs into wave of opposition at city hall
OrilliaMatters 9And in a perfect world, houses would be built on land that isn't prime farmland but that is not happening hence the problem.
1- Shelle Hossack
Township eyes safety improvements after another crash on Division Rd.
OrilliaMatters 6What we need are traffic lights at this intersection. How many accidents have to happen before Severn town council finally does something??? Another head shaker.
1- Shelle Hossack
COLUMN: Timing of province's $200 cheques seems suspect
OrilliaMatters 3Ya think?! All Ontarians know what this is all about. Nothing more to be said.
- Shelle Hossack
Orillia’s Kyle Heitzner still chasing his hockey dream
OrilliaMatters 2We are proud of your determination and grit. Continue to pursue your dreams!
- Shelle Hossack
