Dave Dawson

Ontario

Community Editor at OrilliaMatters

Writer and Editor at Freelance

Community Editor, https://t.co/4Equu7XxPx

Articles

Tensions rise as Orillia mayor refuses to explain CAO hiring reversal

4 days ago | orilliamatters.com | Dave Dawson

Two weeks after Mayor Don McIsaac made the stunning decision to use newly granted strong mayor powers to rescind the hiring of a CAO council had recently approved, city councillors remain in the dark about the move. On April 7, McIsaac, through a ‘mayoral direction letter’ circulated to council members, announced he had rescinded the hiring of Trevor Lee to replace longtime CAO Gayle Jackson, who retired at the end of 2024.
Hanover hangs on for 2-1 win, ends Terriers' magical playoff run

1 week ago | orilliamatters.com | Dave Dawson

A journey that started in mid-September and turned into a magical playoff run in March and April ended abruptly at 10:05 p.m. Friday night in an arena in Hanover for the McLean and Dickey Orillia Terriers. In front of more than 1,000 fans at the P and H Centre, the Barons hung on for a hard-fought 2-1 decision over the visiting Terriers to win their Schmalz Cup quarter-final series 4-1.
SCHMALZ CUP: Host Hanover rolls past Terriers, takes 2-1 series lead

2 weeks ago | orilliamatters.com | Dave Dawson

For the first time in what has been a magical playoff drive, the McLean and Dickey Orillia Terriers find themselves trailing in a playoff series. Host Hanover took it to the Provincial Junior Hockey League's North Carruthers Division champions for the second straight game Monday night, skating away with a 7-4 victory at the P and H Centre — much to the delight of 972 fans in the stands.
Ten days later, 1,075 Hydro One customers in Orillia are still without power

2 weeks ago | orilliamatters.com | Dave Dawson

Ten days after a devastating ice storm slammed Orillia and many other parts of central Ontario, more than 1,000 Hydro One customers remain without power in Orillia. According to a Monday afternoon update from the utility, 98 per cent of Hydro One customers in Orillia have had their power restored. However, 1,075 customers remain without electricity and, for those without generators, suffered through a long, chilly night last night when temperatures plummeted.
Power outage drags on for 2,000 people in Orillia (10 photos)

2 weeks ago | orilliamatters.com | Dave Dawson

A week after a vicious freezing rain and ice storm plunged Orillia and many parts of the province into darkness, about 69,000 Hydro One customers in Ontario remain without power today. In Orillia, just over 2,000 people remain without electricity. In the townships neighbouring Orillia, almost 11,000 Hydro One customers remain in the dark.
COLUMN: Outage leaves thousands feeling powerless 7 days after storm

2 weeks ago | orilliamatters.com | Dave Dawson

When the power finally came back to the homes on our Orillia street Friday afternoon — after more than 140 long hours over six chilly and dark days — there were a lot of smiles and relief. While I enjoyed a hot shower and the “luxuries” of electricity in the wake of the restoration, I won’t celebrate until everybody in Orillia and the surrounding townships have the lights on. As of noon Saturday, there are still more than 2,700 residents in Orillia without electricity.
SCHMALZ CUP: Terriers draw first blood, beat Barons in Hanover

2 weeks ago | orilliamatters.com | Dave Dawson

As the impacts of last weekend's ice storm linger, the McLean and Dickey Orillia Terriers were authors of a different type of storm on the ice Friday night. Exactly one week after stunning the Alliston Hornets to win the North Carruthers Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League, the Terriers kicked off their Schmatz Cup quarter-final series with the Hanover Barons.
Ford's surprise announcement of new hospital 'wonderful news for Orillia'

2 weeks ago | villagereport.ca | Dave Dawson

ORILLIA - It’s been a bleak few months in Orillia. But, finally, the city — and its residents — got a little unexpected good news on Friday. Premier Doug Ford was in Orillia to show support for one of the “hardest hit” regions of the province following last weekend’s vicious ice storm. He was expected to rally the troops, offer support and bring some aid to a city reeling from a lengthy power outage and facing a lengthy recovery.
Ford's surprise announcement of new hospital 'wonderful news for Orillia'

2 weeks ago | orilliamatters.com | Dave Dawson

It’s been a bleak few months in Orillia. But, finally, the city — and its residents — got a little unexpected good news on Friday. Premier Doug Ford was in Orillia to show support for one of the “hardest hit” regions of the province following last weekend’s vicious ice storm. He was expected to rally the troops, offer support and bring some aid to a city reeling from a lengthy power outage and facing a lengthy recovery.
COLUMN: 140 hours and counting without power in an Orillia neighbourhood

2 weeks ago | orilliamatters.com | Dave Dawson

Huddled under a blanket, in a dark, cold house, I sit in front of my gas fireplace Thursday night and contemplate life. It’s the sixth night without power in the wake of the weekend’s brutal ice storm. I glance out the window of my patio door and the lights within the houses on the street behind me burn bright. I’m happy for them. Truly. But for those of us who live on Homewood Avenue and Arthur Street, our patience is wearing pretty thin.