Ian Adams

2 weeks ago | simcoe.com | Ian Adams

Wasaga Beach is getting “smart” with its next set of beachside public washrooms. The town will spend more than $447,000 to test drive a self-cleaning facility on a site that will straddle Beach Area 1 and Beach Area 2. The washroom, built by Quebec-based Urben Blu, should be in place by July 1. The units automatically flush, and go through a cleaning and disinfection cycle of the toilet bowl after every use. Another cycle pressure-washes the floor after a set number of visits.

2 weeks ago | simcoe.com | Ian Adams

While tariffs and housing issues have dominated the campaign, those who grow our food feel sidelined. “Unfortunately, agriculture doesn’t seem to get top billing in some of these discussions,” said Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture president Dave Ritchie. “I don’t want to say we’re taken for granted, but (the agricultural industry) needs to be treated differently.”Agriculture remains a big business in Canada, and in Simcoe County.

3 weeks ago | simcoe.com | Ian Adams

The Orillia mayor’s decision to rescind the job offer for the city’s next chief administrative officer could be costly for taxpayers, says an expert in employment law. Josh Valler, a partner with Barriston Law with expertise in employment law, said unless the city included an “escape clause” in its offer to Trevor Lee, it could be liable for damages.

4 weeks ago | simcoe.com | Ian Adams Simcoecom |Ian Adams

Can a federal government move the needle on housing? That’s the question in the minds of a number of local voters who have responded to Metroland’s survey on federal election issues, as the issue of housing has come to the forefront during the federal campaign. All four major parties are making promises on how they would solve the housing shortage. Simcoe-Grey voter Deborah Davidson is certainly looking for answers.

4 weeks ago | simcoe.com | Ian Adams

No, it’s not Christmas. But if you were driving around Thornton today (April 15), you could be excused for doing a double take at the calendar. Brain Power Studios is currently filming a television movie, “Christmas Mixer,” around the Thornton Community Centre and Thornton Cafe & Ice Cream. A film crew is slated to be along various sections of Barrie Street, and at 236 Barrie St., until 6 p.m. Brain Power Studios has filmed numerous movies in Simcoe County.