Latest news with #DonMcIsaac
CTV News
5 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Orillia outsiders slapped with surcharge for using rec facilities
Big changes could be coming to the cost of fun in Orillia... especially if you don't live in the city. Those living in neighbouring communities to Orillia will be hit with a 50 per cent surcharge when using the city's recreational facilities next year. This increase will apply to various programs like swimming, summer camps, and memberships but not to user groups like minor hockey and figure skating. The city says more than half of its recreation users are non-residents and city councillors see this measure as a way to recoup some costs in next year's budget while maintaining service levels. Mayor Don McIsaac saying, 'Residents have given feedback, and they say, 'Look, it's not appropriate that we subsidize people from out of town. I mean, Orillia provides services, we have beautiful parks, we keep those up, people from out of town, we encourage our users of the park so people come and use the park, we're fine with that, but the rec center and the library, those drive our costs, and we just want to make sure we recover appropriately and don't unduly burden the taxpayers of Orillia.' The city says communities like Oro-Medonte, Severn, and Ramara can pay a lump sum to avoid the surcharge for its residents. They have time to negotiate that sum, with this measure to go into effect next May.
CTV News
14-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
City of Orillia regains ownership of historic former train station sold in 2019
A former train station at 150 Front Street South in Orillia, Ont., is designated as being of cultural heritage and interest. The City of Orillia has regained ownership of a historic former train station it sold six years ago after the property was deemed surplus. On Monday, the City announced it had exercised an option it had reserved in the 2019 sale to purchase the 2.4 acre property at 150 Front Street South. Mayor Don McIsaac said the re-acquisition is a crucial step in preserving Orillia's heritage. 'This building has stood for more than a century and holds a deep connection to our city's railway and civic history,' he said. 'We're proud to bring it back into public hands and look forward to exploring its future potential.' The Front Street South property was listed for sale in October 2018 for $900,000 and after multiple offers, council accepted one that it said exceeded its asking price, however, the purchaser's plans never materialized. The property was built in 1917 as a Grand Trunk Railway station and is the only unmodified railway station in the Sunshine City. After passenger rail service ended, the building was repurposed for government services and was once home to the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce. It's unclear what the future plans are for the property, but the City had previously explored transforming it into a municipal transit hub, which hit a wall based on the property's heritage designation, among other issues.
CTV News
30-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
‘Assets have deteriorated,' province proposes phased demolition of controversial Huronia Regional Centre building
A controversial building dating back to 1876 situated on acres of government‐owned and managed land at the north of Lake Simcoe may no longer be. Back in 2013, a $35 million lawsuit was filed by former residents of the Huronia Regional Centre against the province on allegations of mistreatment. The lawsuit claimed residents suffered abuse at the hands of their caregivers, which was home to people with developmental disabilities. The Ontario government paid millions to former residents and made an official apology. Since its closure in 2009, the property has been used for government services and initiatives, including a courtroom, a public health lab, and trainee homes and facilities for the Ontario Provincial Police. While the province says these programs and services will continue, a portion of the Orillia campus is no longer needed. The Ministry of Infrastructure (MOI) is proposing the phased demolition of up to 49 buildings and 11 tunnels on the Huronia Regional Centre site. The ministry told CTV News on Monday that the assets and buildings have deteriorated and are no longer viable for long-term use. Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac saying, 'Well this a dark area and I think we just need to move forward, you know, taking the buildings down I think will help. I know the former residences are excited about seeing the building come down. So, that's a good step.' 'Infrastructure Ontario (IO), on behalf of MOI, will lead planning for the demolition of buildings and site rehabilitation to ensure the site is ready for future use and redevelopment,' said the Ministry of Infrastructure to CTV News. IO is now actively pursuing a contract to carry out the planned demolition. Further decisions on site use will be made by the Ontario Provincial Police in consultation with the Solicitor General's office and Infrastructure Ontario. 'Those buildings coming down mean a couple of things, we're obviously cleaning up the sight but we're excited for the OPP. They are going to build an academy there which is going to be great for Orillia and we're looking forward to seeing that too,' McIsaac continued. Officials say the timing will be determined through the awarded contract. 'Disposition of surplus lands support MOI's ongoing efforts to put General Real Estate Portfolio lands back into productive use,' stated the ministry. 'It frees up the other land around it and Orillia has had a long standing interest in the land along the lakefront,' McIsaac said. This demolition is part of province's plan to continue to generate revenues and reduce liability costs in Ontario. Related Stories
CTV News
27-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Orillia mayor's use of strong mayor powers sparks heated debate
A special meeting held in Orillia Thursday evening drew strong opinions as residents and councillors weighed in on Mayor Don McIsaac's use of 'strong mayor powers' - a controversial tool granted by the province that give mayors added authority to make decisions without full council approval. The public session featured an in-depth presentation from Toronto municipal and land use lawyer John Mascarin, outlining the legal origins and practical implications of these powers introduced by the Ford government to help expedite key municipal decisions. 'Priority projects simply take too long, too long to get through municipal councils and through committees,' Mascarin said. Mascarin explained that while the mayor can veto certain council decisions, a two-thirds majority from council could override that veto. In other cases, the mayor may need support from more than one-third of council to pass specific bylaws. Public feedback was sharply divided, and some councillors expressed unease that their roles could be diminished under the current system. Tensions escalated at one point when Councillor Janet-Lynne Durnford challenged the mayor's decision-making. 'Point of order,' Durnford said. 'Mayor McIsaac, I think it's evident to all of us and to the gallery that you are making allegations here.' 'Your point of order is denied,' the mayor responded, shutting down the exchange, which was followed by chuckles from the gallery. In an interview with CTV News, the mayor defended the ongoing discussion. 'I think this is something that democracy does. You debate open issues and talk about them in a civil manner.' The province will ultimately decide whether McIsaac's strong mayor powers remain in place or are rolled back.
CTV News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Orillia invites public to special meeting on strong mayor powers amid growing debate
Residents are encouraged to weigh in on a hot-button issue Thursday evening as the City of Orillia hosts a special council meeting focused on the use of strong mayor powers. The province made special mayor powers permanent in May, which sparked controversy among council members. Strong mayor powers give mayors added authority to make decisions without full council approval. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Orillia City Centre and includes a legal presentation explaining the legislation, followed by 90 minutes of public feedback. The goal, city officials say, is to give the community a clearer understanding of how strong mayor powers work and how they could shape future decision-making at city hall. Under the legislation, Mayor Don McIsaac can overrule council on specific matters. Earlier this year, McIsaac overturned council's decision to hire a new Chief Administrative Officer, choosing instead to promote the city's deputy CAO. Before his strong mayor powers became permanent, council voted seven to two in favour of rescinding them. 'I think Mr. Ford has to realize that it's not like Toronto, and a smaller municipality, rural municipalities are not like Toronto where decisions are made and it takes a long time and everything else, so the mayor has to speed up the process," said City Councillor Ralph Cipolla. 'Where, here, it's a little different, we listen to the people of Orillia and we try to make decisions that betters our community and keeps our community safe.' The strong mayor powers are part of a broader effort by the Ford government to speed up housing construction and infrastructure projects. The special meeting on Thursday will give residents a chance to speak directly to the concerns surrounding the added power given to the mayor. The public engagement session is open to anyone interested in sharing their views or asking questions about the legislation and its impact.
