Rob Cooper, CKVR-TV (Barrie, ON) Journalist Profile

Articles

Major roadwork in Midland set to begin, drivers should expect delays

1 day ago | ctvnews.ca | Rob Cooper

One of Midland’s busiest roads is about to get a major overhaul, and while that means a few months of inconvenience for motorists, town officials say the work is badly needed. Starting next week, Yonge Street will undergo a full reconstruction between Second Street and Norene Street, while sections from King Street to Second Street and from Norene Street to County Road 93 will be resurfaced with fresh asphalt.
Port of Orillia officially opens for the season

1 week ago | ctvnews.ca | Rob Cooper

The Port of Orillia is officially open for the season, marking the start of what officials and businesses hope will be a busy and profitable summer on the water. The City of Orillia has now taken over management of the port under a new agreement that runs until 2028. The agreement ensures the Orillia and District Chamber Of Commerce will continue operating the port’s docking services and work to generate revenue.
$1.1 million road construction and pothole project underway along County Road 10

1 week ago | ctvnews.ca | Rob Cooper

Between construction and repairs an already hectic time is getting busier on our local roads. The county is completing a micro-surfacing project along County Road 10 in Angus after last year’s work failed to hold up. The project will cost roughly $1.1 million and should be done by the end of the month. While similar projects are taking place in several communities across the region a big focus right now is on pot holes. “I popped a tire.
Province helps fund ice storm clean-up

1 week ago | ctvnews.ca | Rob Cooper

The clean up from this spring’s ice storm continues in many communities in Simcoe County and Muskoka. Orillia was one of the hardest hit and the mayor says the price for the clean up continues to increase. “We’re looking at probably a couple of million-dollars probably one to two million maybe closer to two million-dollars its probably our out of pocket. The province has a fairly generous formula to cover the first 75%,” said Orillia Mayor Don McIssac.
Wasaga Beach introducing self-cleaning public washrooms

2 weeks ago | ctvnews.ca | Rob Cooper

A trip to the beach is about to get a little fresher - literally - with Wasaga Beach rolling out two new self-cleaning washrooms just in time for summer crowds. As demolition and cleanup continue at Beach Area One, the Town announced it’s purchasing two ‘smart washroom’ units from Canadian-based company Urban Blu. The facilities are being introduced as a pilot project to improve visitor amenities and replace a washroom facility that was removed during recent redevelopment efforts.
Food bank campaigns aim to support growing demand

2 weeks ago | ctvnews.ca | Rob Cooper

Foodbanks across the region are anticipating a big decline in donations as the summer season approaches. With no reduction of those in need - it’s a tricky time of the year, especially for clients of the food bank who call it a lifeline at times. “It helps families in need because of how expensive everything - inflation is crazy,” said Barrie resident Wendy Butler-Henderson.
Historic Deerhurst building destroyed by fire as community mourns loss

2 weeks ago | ctvnews.ca | Rob Cooper

A cherished piece of Huntsville’s history is now reduced to charred remains. Fire and insurance investigators returned Monday to the scene of a devastating blaze that broke out early Friday morning at the Deerhurst Resort, heavily damaging the Antler Steakhouse and the adjacent pro shop at the golf course. Though no injuries were reported, the fire has left a noticeable void in the Muskoka town where generations have fond memories of the structure.
Wasaga Beach clears way for new era with beachfront overhaul

3 weeks ago | ctvnews.ca | Rob Cooper

Crews are continuing demolition work along Beach Area One this week as Wasaga Beach begins one of the most significant redevelopment projects in its history, a transformation that will see new homes and businesses built where some of the town’s most familiar structures once stood. The work is part of a broader plan to revitalize the beachfront between First and Third Streets. Once complete, the area will feature 150 residential units and over 30 commercial spaces.
Historic cemetery in Orillia Ont. still locked month after devastating ice storm

3 weeks ago | ctvnews.ca | Rob Cooper

The gates to the Saint Andrew’s - Saint James’ Cemetery in Orillia remain locked nearly a month after a devastating ice storm swept through the region. The cemetery, closed to visitors since the storm, is still undergoing a significant cleanup effort to deal with widespread damage. Crews are working to restore the property, which spans over 35 acres. Roughly 30 headstones were toppled during the storm, with at least four facing severe damage.
Anticipation builds as Colts, Frontenacs go the distance in Game 7

3 weeks ago | ctvnews.ca | Rob Cooper

Players, coaches and fans right across Ontario are counting down the hours before the puck drops at Sadlon Arena on Tuesday night. The head coach of the Barrie Colts, Marty Williamson, told CTV News before Game 1 that the series was a ‘coin flip’. This is Game 7. Fans anticipate the seventh and deciding game—excitement is certainly starting to brew as the final hours tick down. Hockey fans will get to enjoy the experience on Barrie’s home ice.