Orillia’s waste management advisory committee will develop a deposit/return program for single-use plastic shopping bags and paper bags distributed by local retailers.

Public works had proposed that a fee of at least five cents per bag be instituted at large retail stores to combat the negative environmental impacts associated with the lightweight sacks.

The waste management committee, however, recommended a deposit program that will give consumers an incentive to return their bags.
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City council has unanimously rejected a plan to erect a condominium development in Orillia’s south end.

“What this is really about is a quiet neighbourhood being asked to accept right in the middle of it what I call a high-density development,” said Tim Lauer.

Alkar Investments Inc. was proposing a pair of four-storey buildings housing a total of 64 units, as well as eight townhouses.

The developer required a rezoning of the lands at 395 Gill Street from second density residential to second density multiple residential exception.

The proposal was met with fierce opposition from neighbours who claimed the development would lead to increased traffic, a loss of privacy and potential drainage problems, among other concerns.

A representative for the developer said revisions to the plan had been made to address residents’ concerns.
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Waste reduction – not incineration – is the better way to deal with Orillia’s garbage, says a committee tasked with studying the politically heated issue.

The city’s waste management advisory committee this week recommended council not pursue incineration, saying the technology is too costly.

More work is needed provincially to determine whether incineration is an appropriate means of waste disposal, the group added.

The report followed presentations by resident and incineration proponent Ross Goddard.

The local man has argued that so-called waste-to-energy facilities are capable of reaping significant revenue for their host communities, while generating power for homes and industry.
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Council has approved an investment of close to $40,000 to develop a new strategic plan for economic development.

Millier Dickinson Blais Inc. was named as the winning bidder for the job.

A federal support program that matches municipal contributions will cover about half of the cost.

The consultant will identify strengths and weaknesses, review the current focus of the economic development committee, identify opportunities and potential partnerships and point out emerging sectors that may be targetted by the department.

The consultant will also compare the committee’s budget with those in comparable communities.
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Canada’s world-renowned Snowbirds are planning an air show for the Sunshine City, to be hosted by the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area.

Between 30,000 and 50,000 spectators are anticipated to attend the event, tentatively proposed for June 20, 2009.

In addition to performing the air show, members of the precision flying team will appear at local schools and visit with area groups as time allows.

Spectators will be invited to watch the aerial show from the downtown parks fronting Lake Couchiching.

Orillia native and Snowbird member Capt. Mark LaVerdiere recently visited with family during a stopover at the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport.