At the bottom of all local stories on OrilliaMatters, readers now have the option of submitting feedback. Here's what readers had to say about what was making news over the last week:
Oct. 15
Unsettling' changes at High Street garden spark accessibility debate
As an active garden member for the last two years, I want to clarify that more than half of the garden area (at least 400 sqft) is still 100% communal space, for community use. There are 12 raised beds that are reserved for private families (no cost, but on a first come, first serve basis) who want to grow their own specific food. The rest of the garden is worked on by any and all community members interested in participating.
We have set gathering times where we make planting, growing and harvesting decisions together as a group. I am not an expert on gardening, so I rely on other experienced gardeners to help tell me and others when produce is ready to pick.
That is the main reason for the signs. When squash or zucchini are picked before they are ripe, they aren't good to eat, and then the food is wasted. When the produce is ready, we harvest it together, so anyone joining can take home whatever they like. We give food to every single passerby if they are interested in taking something. We leave extra produce that's been harvested in baskets by the path for anyone to take. We give excess food to the food bank.
I am heartbroken that some people feel like there are now increased barriers to access. We revitalized this garden in 2020 because of the sharp increase in food insecurity during the pandemic, and we want to ensure that EVERYONE is welcome to join us and share in the harvests.
Valerie's claim of "there is no communal space left" is absolutely untrue. I encourage anyone interested in learning more about the garden to join us during our gathering hours (Sundays 9-11 a.m., Tuesdays 5-7 p.m.), or you can contact the volunteers via the website. — Jules Roebbelen
Oct. 14
LETTER: 'Bureaucrats can't see north of Barrie,' laments citizen
Mr. Lewis expressed disappointment in the provincial assignment for future population growth for the Orillia area. His chief argument is that this will increase property taxes in the future, a statement which is not substantiated.
Fast growing municipalities have higher house taxes than slow growth municipalities. A look at the northern Ontario cities compared to the Golden Horseshoe will demonstrate this. Residential growth is good for merchants/businesses that wish to expand. It also creates jobs in the construction industry and retail stores but it does not necessarily lower unemployment as the new positions are likely taken up by new people in the community.
All this growth creates action and brings about change which some people like while others hate, which means some enjoy it while others do not. However this activity does not bring lower house taxes. The reason for this is in the increased demand for soft services. The above applies to residential growth. The argument would be different for industrial and resources extraction growth. — Konrad Brenner
Oct. 15
Here's how the digital vaccine passport will work
Well, getting the "proof " on the computer was easy, and it printed out OK....but putting it onto the cellphone was tricky, but getting it to display on the cellphone for display at the restaurant etc is a difficulty. — Tony Bridgens
Since people still have to get out a separate piece of ID for examination, how is this supposed to streamline or speed up admission into the various businesses and venues? This seems like only a minimal improvement over the previous "passports." — Mark Elgar
Oct. 18
New four-day schedule begins with use of new cart system Nov. 1
The new bins for waste are not acceptable. Barrie tried it and got rid of it. How do they expect elderly people, pregnant women and farmers to drag those bins at the end of their driveway? They cannot stay at the end of the driveway as the snowplow will hit them. We are not an area of no snow. — Susan Morrill
Oct. 20
City sets rates, fines relating to vehicle charging stations
Sure, have the average taxpayer subsidize the wealthy ( the average Joe isn’t buying a Tesla ). Then in the same breath talk about affordable housing…what a joke.— Dennis Woodman
Oct. 21
PART 3: Do Orillia's municipal politicians have any regrets?
I was pleased to see Tim Lauer's concerns about the clear plastic bag policy. Is this really going to deter people who throw everything into the garbage anyway? Speaking personally, all three of my recycling boxes and compost are filled to the brim weekly and any plastic bags I get while grocery shopping are used for garbage pails in our home rather than purchasing ones.
We also use our reusable shopping bags frequently. If offender's garbage isn't picked up, is the council really expecting people to change their attitudes? It is more likely they will leave it sitting at the end of their driveway or finding a convenient dumpster behind a local business to throw it into. This bylaw is adding more strain with no reward. — Danny Galea
