Police seek suspect in Orillia break-in

Orillia OPP seek the public’s help in identifying a suspect caught on camera during a recent break-in.

On Aug. 5, at about 1 a.m., someone entered a business on Atherley Road and stole a quantity of cash.

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person responsible and have released an image that shows an individual wearing a distinctive pair of light pants with a stripe down the leg, and a distinctive pair of shoes.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Orillia OPP at .

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Adjala-Tos council defers decision on water, sewage connection charges

Adjala-Tosorontio council hasn’t decided what to charge Everett and Colgan residents for their water and sewage service.

Council deferred the decision July 9, after receiving a presentation from a consultant hired to calculate the charges residents will have to pay to fund new water and wastewater infrastructure that will have to be built for future growth.

The consultant recommended setting the connection charges at $10,500 per unit for water and $16,300 per unit for wastewater.

These costs would be included into the price of new homes that are going to be built in the two communities, but existing users who are using septic tanks or are serviced by the problematic New Horizons sewage treatment facility in Everett would have to pay to connect.

The charge for existing users to convert to the developer-built systems would be charged over 20 years, plus interest, but council has yet to decide if existing homes will be forced to do so.

Everett Coun. Dave Rose said it would be unfair to the residents of the New Horizons subdivision to pick up the tab for a second time.

“They’ve already paid once, and it’s going to be tough to ask them to pay again,” he said.

Council will hold a workshop at a later date to discuss the proposal further.

Paul Whiteside — New Tecumseth deputy mayor

I, J.J. Paul Whiteside, am running for the office of deputy mayor in New Tecumseth as I have the required knowledge and experience to provide fiscally responsible representation at both the town and Simcoe County levels.

Being retired, I have the time to continue to listen to the concerns and suggestions of residents and businesses. I am a lifetime resident of Alliston and have served the community in many aspects including 17 years on the SMH Board (past president). I am a retired professional accountant (FCPA, FCMA) having several years of related experience in the accounting and municipal fields. In 2009, I retired after 28 years as the town’s chief financial officer/treasurer. I have served eight years as Ward 3 councillor and in 2018 served as the alternate Simcoe County councillor. During my term as councillor, I have served on the following committees: library board, physician recruitment committee, property standards/canine control committee, Alliston Memorial Arena Task Force, OSUM conference committee and New Tecumseth Improvement Society.

As deputy mayor, I will make the full-time commitment to serve and work with the residents of New Tecumseth to make the town a better place. I am a global thinker and consensus builder who is perceptive to the ideas of others and will work in the best interest of our town. I am an experienced leader who is accountable and transparent and will provide financial and business acumen.

My priorities include: Negotiating a new Collingwood water agreement; ensuring tax and utility rates remain reasonable; managing implications of rapid growth; public transit and traffic concerns; water pipeline to Tottenham; Beeton drainage issues.

It is imperative that council work jointly with other municipalities, our MPP and MP on the important issues.

On Oct. 22, elect J.J. Paul Whiteside deputy mayor for “leadership you can trust.”

Feel free to contact me by phone or email . Also visit my website: or Facebook page:

Steven Fishman — Innisfil deputy mayor

My name is Steven Fishman, and I’m running to be the next deputy mayor of Innisfil. I’m currently 54 years old and have a background in Marketing and Business administration. I first ran for office in 2007 as the Provincial Liberal Candidate in the riding of Simcoe-Grey. In 2010, while still living in Wasaga Beach, I ran for mayor. While I did not win either race, it was a great experience meeting residents across Simcoe County.

During my career, I’ve worked in a management position with the city of Vaughan. This gave me great insight into how municipal government works, and that experience, combined with my political experience, has prepared me to be the next deputy mayor of Innisfil.

Innisfil is at a crossroads with residents playing the highest taxes and hydro rates in Simcoe County. My goal, if elected, will be to review the towns operations and see where savings can be achieved. I want your council to be open and transparent; therefore, I will seek to have the expenses of town staff and members of council posted on the town’s website each quarter. 

In an effort to reduce our hydro rates, I have a plan that will see our hydro rates go down, improve service, and bring an influx of cash to the town. I have a plan to deal with issues at our beach park and parking in the surrounding area. I have a plan to expand Innisfil’s Uber program. I have a plan to deal with our traffic safety issues.

Change is coming to Innisfil, and it’s time that your elected council works for you. I encourage you to visit my website at , give me a call at 647-299-4146 or send me an email at . I can also be reached on Facebook at on Twitter,, and on Instagam at .

Correctional officers assaulted by ‘problematic inmate’ at Penetanguishene jail

Continuous assaults on correctional officers at the Central North Correctional Centre (CNCC) has union officials calling for increased safety measures.

Correctional officers at the Penetanguishene jail were assaulted during two incidents on June 18 and June 19, with one involving a problematic inmate.

“Three correctional officers and a sergeant were kicked and spat at as they were trying to deal with him,” said Richard Dionne, president of OPSEU Local 369.

The incident came days after the same inmate bit a correctional officer and a week after he tried to yank an officer into his cell through an open hatch causing injuries to his hand.

“There is just no end with this inmate,” said Dionne. “Unfortunately, he does have some mental-health issues, which seems to be one of our biggest problems at this point. Every time we are dealing with him he is combative and assaultive.”

There have been six incidents involving this inmate in which correctional officers have been assaulted, including the ones on June 11, 13 and 19.

While the one inmate has caused a lot of the recent problems at CNCC, he isn’t the only one assaulting correctional officers.

On June 18, a female officer was injured while dealing with another combative, non-compliant inmate.

“It didn’t escalate, but there was an issue that required extra response,” said Dionne. “It just seems to be never ending.”

Dionne believes part of the blame should be on the recent legislation changes introduced by the Liberals, which has limited the amount of time an inmate can be kept in segregation.

“Assaults on staff seems to have increased drastically since the Liberals introduced new legislative changes,” said Dionne.

He also believes that there needs to be more of a deterrent for assaulting correctional officers in Ontario, including stiffer minimum sentences.

“I have seen some assaults where charges are pursued by the officers and the inmates get time served or a sentence that is minimal,” said Dionne. “There needs to be more of a deterrent.”

Concerns around segregation limits and a lack of minimum sentences for assaulting a correctional officer are two items OPSEU officials plan to discuss with the new provincial Conservative government.

Grooming products take top spot at Collingwood business competition

A collection of grooming products took home top spot at the Excite Business Pitch Competition.

Sven Hansen is the owner of Hometown Brawn Supply, and he manufactures men’s grooming products using wholesome ingredients.

“I’ve pitched before, but the Excite Business Pitch Competition gave me a new focus,” Hansen said. “The Pitch Prep Workshop took my business pitch to a whole new level, and I’m grateful for the opportunity and for the win”

Hansen took home a grand prize of $5,000 with the win.

The winner of the Open Competition was awarded to Jessica Wilkins of Naked Designs, a custom furniture designer and manufacturer. Kai Hulshof of Jentu, a network automation platform, won for best in tech.

The entrepreneurs pitched their businesses to an expert panel of judges, who provided valuable feedback and advice, and selected the winning pitches. The 10 finalists had been selected from a pool of more than 40 applicants.

The event was a partnership between the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre and South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre.

Other sponsors included the County of Simcoe, Adbank, Town of Collingwood, the Centre for Business and Economic Development and The Creative Space.

 

Micheline Robichaud — Barrie Ward 6

Over the next two months, you may have a few candidates at your door. You may receive a few different pieces of literature, hear different promises, different slogans.

I ask you to consider the power of your vote. With that X, you are having your say on how your property taxes are managed, how roads are repaired, how streets and sidewalks are kept safe, and how trails and green spaces are treated.

Ask the tough questions. Make sure your candidate knows the issues, how to fight for our community, and has the experience and knowledge to make it happen.

Here is a reality: Due to increased property value, your taxes will be going up in the next few years. You should expect and demand answers and assurances that qualified people will be making decisions on how to manage that. I was in real estate for years and have extensive experience in corporate taxation, development, and MPAC assessments. I have a deep understanding of government, and fighting for issues that matter.

From sitting on the board of directors for various charities, and working now in nonprofit, I have learned a great deal about the needs of residents, and especially about our struggling middle class being pushed out of home ownership by increased costs of daily living.

What I bring to the table is a deep understanding of the issues: Gridlock and traffic in the city, roads that need work, speeding on residential streets without enforcement, and parking that becomes a safety issue. I know about the long-term plans for growth, development and taxation; what it will take to create affordable housing; and how to grow smart while saving our green spaces.

Long-term planning for long-term prosperity requires the ability to find solutions to complex problems.

I am always honest.

I am accountable.

I have the knowledge, the skills and the experience.

I am your candidate for Ward 6.

Micheline Robichaud

Campaign office address: 4 Summerset Dr., Barrie.

Phone:

Email:

Websites: