Sandy Loos

Councillor tries to amend bylaw, asked to leave meeting

OrilliaMatters

This council and mayor are ridiculous. Where is the money given to Ramara by the province going? I live in Orillia and I would never move to Ramara now because of this council who doesn't care about anyone. Vote them out on the next election. Basil is the worst mayor ever. I can't believe he got an award. At least he isn't running next time. Sherri Bell for mayor.

- Sandy Loos

Paid waterfront parking, businesses in public facilities on horizon?

OrilliaMatters

If you charge for parking, please make it reasonable. I refuse to go to Barrie or Collingwood anymore because of the ridiculous $10 an hour fee. You will loose business from people who won't want to pay. Also the rules of the parks are not enforced now. For example the no smoking rule. I go to Couchiching Park a couple times a day and there isn't one time I haven't encountered smoking. I never see by law patrolling. Also dogs on the beach, bikes on the boardwalk and fishing from the boardwalk.

- Sandy Loos

Waterfront parking to remain free to promote tourism, accessibility

OrilliaMatters

Thank you for this decision. Our waterfront is beautiful and should be shared. It is so important for mental health. I go several times a day and have never had a problem finding a parking spot. Councilor Lauer is mistaken. Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Victoria Harbour do not charge at their waterfronts. Just because other municipalities do it does not make it right. They shouldn't and we shouldn't.

- Sandy Loos

City to impose 50% hike in recreation fees for non-residents

OrilliaMatters

Please stop asking for parking charges at the waterfront. Our waterfront is beautiful and is so important for mental health. Just because other townships and cities do it doesn't make it okay. We should not do it. I have not gone to the Barrie waterfront since they upped their rates. I won't go to Collingwood for the same reason. The people coming by coach are not taking up spots and wouldn't be paying for parking anyway so I don't understand your argument there. I get it. It's busy in the summer. You want the waterfront to yourself.

- Sandy Loos

Trash talk: City's clear garbage bag program shows clear success

OrilliaMatters

We pay high taxes here. There should not be a complete user pay system for garbage. We should keep getting the 20 tags a year. At least until absolutely everything can be recycled. You are only encouraging people to dump their garbage elsewhere.

- Sandy Loos

'Balancing act': Orillia Mayor reflects on first two years at city's helm

OrilliaMatters

Thank you Mayor for all you have done and for keeping our taxes down. I do wish that you wouldn't charge for waterfront parking as seems to be planned for this year. The waterfront is so beautiful and so important for mental health. It is the jewel of Orillia. What the other cities and townships are doing is wrong. Everyone should be able to share in the waterfront. Gravenhurst and Bracebridge don't charge for parking at their respective waterfront. Please don't.

- Sandy Loos

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

OrilliaMatters

Please do not charge at the waterfront. If you do please make it reasonable. I am an Orillia resident and the waterfront is so important for my mental health. I drive to different locations to walk my dog and see the water but I refuse to go to Barrie or Collingwood anymore because their parking fees are ridiculous. I thought vehicles with trailers are already charged $50 a day for parking at the launch so why is he saying they are parking for free. $3 an hour is reasonable for downtown parking. People would pay that for downtown shopping. I think the bigger problem is it is difficult to find parking on the street near the store and it is too far from the municipal lots for many seniors who would be shopping during the week.

- Sandy Loos

Campbell says councillors will have blood on their hands if someone gets hurt at Orillia park

OrilliaMatters

The trail there is too narrow if you have to pass someone going the other way. I walk with two dogs, on leash of course, and I constantly have to walk in the road. It's wide enough for two people but as soon as you have to pass a couple or someone with a walker, its too narrow. Maybe removing the barrier on the lake side would help or moving it to the road side. Then at least you could walk on the grass instead of the road to pass. If there is a bike in the mix, then it is even harder.

- Sandy Loos

Ramara residents rally against 'crushing cost' of wastewater project

OrilliaMatters

I wonder if when the survey was done if the people affected knew it was going to cost $60,000 per household. That is ridiculous. I used to live on Lone Birch Trail. Thank goodness I left before all of this was proposed. I wouldn't be able to afford that. Sounds like your mayor doesn't care about your concerns. I would make a point of remembering that during the next election.

- Sandy Loos

Operating budget, recycling, alcohol policy on city council agenda

OrilliaMatters

People can get very invested and emotional during sports events. Add the disinhibition that alcohol provides and bad things happen. While the vast majority of people would drink and behave responsibly, I believe the paid duty officers or security is definitely necessary for the few who wouldn't.

- Sandy Loos