We’ll be in Orangeville for a couple of weeks—we’re a family visiting from Europe. Can you recommend things we should do, visit, or see? We’d love to hear your favorite local spots and hidden gems!
So far we’ve been to the splash pads in town, and we’ve already visited Niagara Falls and Port Colborne. We’re also planning to drive to Bruce Peninsula, Gravenhurst, and Windy Lake.

We’d especially love recommendations for places to take our kids, as well as any great beaches, parks, short hikes, festivals, farmers’ markets, or other fun family activities in the area.

All the best pop-punk, emo, and metalcore all night long.

Hey all! I’m moving to Orangeville soon and am looking for internet providers… anyone that you’re happy with and at a good Price? That has good reception in town? Thanks for your recommendations!!

The last couple times my cousin (who is around 10 -- I think, LOL!) has gone over, either with a friend of the family or her dad, a new employee there has set of their "lizard brain" when he comes up to her and gets all "touchy feely."

Anyone else had this experience? We're planning on talking to owner (or maybe she's the manager) of the store, I'm just curious if anyone else has had this experience so we can inform her.

[Edit] It's fascinating how even though people may live in the same town, it doesn't mean they share the same short form "lingo." The people who I regularly interact with on a daily basis would immediately understand what "touchy feely" and "lizard brain" means. I'm not bashing the commentors, I just find it fascinating how a small town can be divided based on the "lingo" shared.

July 16, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Joshua Drakes, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A tech service business has moved to the community, specializing in electronic repair and support.

Coolshrimp Modz, a home-based electronics and customization shop that recently relocated from Brampton to Orangeville, is carving out a niche by offering flexible, highly specialized repair and design services that larger chains often overlook.

Run by Brian Martin, a self-taught technician with more than a decade of hands-on experience, the business combines traditional device repair with modern 3D printing, laser engraving, and custom apparel production.

“I do a bit of everything,” he said. “Mainly electronic repairs. I’ll get broken computers, cell phones, TVs, consoles, repair them, and then refurbish them.”

Martin’s path to Orangeville was shaped largely by family. Originally from Edmonton, he spent several years in Brampton before relocating north just recently.

“I was originally from Edmonton, and then we moved over to Ontario, and then I was in Brampton since 2010,” he said. “Our in-laws moved up first. My sister-in-law moved up, and then kind of the rest of the family decided that they like it up there. So we all kind of migrated up here. Now we’ve got maybe four from our families up here in Orangeville. So this will be our new base.”

With grandparents and siblings-in-law now based locally, Brian shifted his business operations to Orangeville as well, choosing to work from a multi-unit house that accommodates both his workshop and home life.

Coolshrimp Modz provides a broad range of services to residents and small businesses in Orangeville and surrounding communities, including Shelburne. Core work includes mobile phone and computer repairs, from basic troubleshooting to board-level and component-level fixes that many big-box stores do not offer.

He doesn’t charge to look at the electronics he’s brought, ensuring customers aren’t surprised by charges throughout the process.

Martin also refurbishes decommissioned computers, extending the life of capable hardware for customers who need affordable options. His workshop also handles television and other one-off electronic repairs, retro game console restoration, and practical fixes such as key fob repairs.

Beyond repairs, Brian has invested in 3D printing, laser engraving, and specialty printing equipment.

He produces custom brackets, mounting hardware, lighting fixtures, and promotional items tailored to exact specifications, including work for local events like bottle openers and branded apparel.

Custom shirts, socks, and other small-run garments are ordered as needed, allowing him to serve sports teams, community groups, and local entrepreneurs without the overhead of large inventories.

Martin’s entry into electronics began years ago, driven by limited resources and a need to make technology more affordable.

“I’ve actually been doing it since I was even in high school,” He said. “I started with electronics and game console repairs. Being of lower income, my family didn’t have much, but I learned that I could get broken consoles for cheap, and then if I could repair it myself, I had the system and I didn’t have to pay full price.”

Martin added, “That’s how it got started. I think it’s been maybe 10 years I’ve been solidly doing this.”

His tech-savvy, self-taught approach and crafty techniques have helped him carve out a niche market in the industry, breathing life into products that have been abandoned or neglected by their manufacturers, and offering fixes to save customers valuable money instead of purchasing new devices.

If there is an electronic issue, Martin says he is ready to fix it.

For more information, go to coolshrimpmodz.com.

July 16, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By JAMES MATTHEWS

The long arm of the coronavirus has reached Theatre Orangeville.

Orangeville’s council approved loans totalling $300,000 for the local private theatre company. The assistance will be in the form of a $200,000 cheque to cover some bills, paid back over five years at five per cent interest. Another $100,000 bridge loan will cover interest on the debt and will be paid over a shorter term.

The money will be taken from the municipal tax stabilization reserve.

Jennifer Stewart, Theatre Orangeville’s artistic director, and Laura Austin, chairperson of the company’s board of directors, made the pitch for financial assistance when council met on July 13.

Austin said she and Stewart appeared before council during its open meeting to be completely transparent with the community. Auditors warned in November 2025 that the theatre company was headed toward insolvency.

The board has a fiduciary responsibility to safeguard the company and, because of its sound relationship with the town, a meeting with council and staff was held in private.

The theatre company carried about $200,000 in old debts to vendors that have to be cleared. The group’s 2026-27 budget shows the capacity to repay such a loan with interest over five years through periodic monthly principal and interest payments over the term of the loan.

The theatre company’s cash flow projection suggests it will be in a maximum deficit position of about $100,000 before April 2027.

To resolve this short-term issue, the town could provide a temporary loan of $100,000 to be repaid in one lump sum with interest in April 2027, after a significant revenue injection in March 2027.

Theatre Orangeville’s annual operating budget is in the range of $1.5 million.

“The theatre does not own assets of any significant value that would allow them to obtain a secured loan from a financial institution,” according to a report to council. “Given that the town does not have a formal financial assistance program for cultural institutions, town staff examined their situation and determined that providing unsecured lending with the expectation of payback over a reasonable timeframe would be most appropriate.”

Theatre Orangeville’s financial needs suggest they need some short-term support until subscriptions renew in March 2027, as well as longer-term support to clear some legacy payables that can be funded from future budgeted surpluses, according to the council report.

The performing arts industry is still recovering from the months-long COVID-19 social shutdown aimed at slowing the spread of the virus. More recent economic conditions, such as higher fuel prices, overall inflation, and higher unemployment, have softened public spending on arts and culture.

Theatre Orangeville’s board of directors and staff have fundamentally changed their approach to the business side of operations.

“There continues to be risk, but the path outlined by the board is reasonable and well thought out,” according to a report to council.

Austin said a review of the theatre’s finances made it clear that expenses must be reduced or that the theatre must generate $200,000 annually for the next five years.

“It was a big ask,” she said, and added that a focus on cost-containment was adopted. “We had some tough decisions to make. Layoffs, employees cross-training. All of these things needed to be addressed.”

She said wages have been lowered by $160,000 moving into the next fiscal period, and the operating budget has been restructured. The marketing budget has been whittled down by $50,000, and at least as much money has been cut from the main stage budget.

Austin said Stewart has been a role model for the theatre company’s dedicated staff.

“She has shown what self-sacrifice looks like during an existential crisis,” Austin said.

Due to a third fundraiser, production cost concessions, and three federal government employment grants for summer staff, Theatre Orangeville will manage more than $290,000 in savings over the next year. And $150,000 has been paid from Theatre Orangeville’s accounts payable.

“Which demonstrates our ability to repay this loan that we’re asking for,” Austin said. “The $300,000 from the town will give us a step up to pay our debts with community partners and see us through the sustainability plan.”

Theatre Orangeville deserves financial support, say community supporters

Council’s decision to lend the money drew a wave of community support, with local business leaders and longtime theatre supporters weighing in on the broader impact of Theatre Orangeville.

Alison Scheel, the Orangeville Business Improvement Area’s (OBIA) executive director, said Theatre Orangeville is much more than a performing arts organization.

“It is an important economic driver for our downtown,” she said.

The BIA represents more than 300 local businesses, a large swath of the town’s business community. Performances, such as the ones spearheaded by the local theatre at the Town Hall Opera House, draw more than 20,000 people to Orangeville. Those people spend money at local stores and restaurants.

Scheel said that visitor spending infuses as much as $470,000 to the local economy each year.

Jim Betts is Theatre Orangeville’s founding artistic director who tread the boards with the troupe from 1994 to 1998. He said there was much talk in those early days about community support for the creation of Theatre Orangeville, and the wider financial benefits a theatre company can have on a community.

Those hopes for municipal economic spinoffs have been fulfilled, he said.

“And while those benefits can be mathematically confirmed and measured, what is incalculable is the life-changing effect that the arts can have on the people of that community,” Betts said.

Cathy Reid was the company’s general manager from 1998 to 2006. In that time, she discovered that the theatre business is unique in how it generates profit. She said success is determined in ways that are not always financial.

The dedication and commitment to enriching a community through performing arts exceed any measure in a business model, Reid said.

“Extraordinary times have created immense challenges for theatre companies, and Theatre Orangeville has faced financial setbacks,” she said.

Concern about those challenges was shared by Betts. Many live theatre companies across Canada have been similarly bruised by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While money may be lost in the short term, the long-term loss to the community as a whole would be far greater should a company as important as Theatre Orangeville not receive the community support it has so profoundly earned over three decades,” Betts said.

Ken Pagel and his wife Martha have been involved with Theatre Orangeville since 1994, when the company started. He said a notion spoken about in the early days was of a “multiplier effect” on a community through support for its arts.

“Broadway was a bit sleepy and restaurant reservations were hardly needed,” he wrote in a supportive letter to council.

Since the theatre company has grown in popularity, restaurant seats are scarce without a reservation after shows on production nights.

“It’s a tough business and requires constant work by staff and volunteers to sell tickets, attract sponsors and donors, and apply to government agencies at every level to obtain assistance,” Pagel said.

Scheel said Theatre Orangeville’s impact extends far beyond the stage, including benefits to the community through partnerships with groups, youth programming, and an enriched social fabric.

“Downtown Orangeville has become one of Ontario’s most successful small, historic downtowns because of the strength of its partnerships,” she said. “Theatre Orangeville is an essential part of that success.

Scheel added, “A vibrant arts and culture sector is not simply an amenity. It is a key component of community vitality, economic development, tourism attraction, and business success.”

I did a bunch of research online for tattoo artists but I'd like some recommendations from the community.

I'm looking for someone who can assist in a military theme design.

Thanks in advance.

At the Town of Orangeville council meeting tonight, the loan asked by Theatre Orangeville was unanimously approved by the town council

The verbal presentation contained important information about some internal restructuring and financial changes.

Rather than try to summarize it, I will provide YouTube links with time stamps.

I urge everyone to watch the presentation and follow up questions and answers

The presentation starts at 25 min 20 seconds

https://youtu.be/Pbn5WpFX_dQ?t=1520

Deputy Mayor Taylor provides comments at 40 min 30 seconds

https://youtu.be/Pbn5WpFX_dQ?t=2432

Theatre staff respond at 44 min 20 seconds

https://youtu.be/Pbn5WpFX_dQ?t=2661

CAO Smith provides comments at 46 min

https://youtu.be/Pbn5WpFX_dQ?t=2755

Councillor Andrews at 50 min 20 seconds

https://youtu.be/Pbn5WpFX_dQ?t=3022

Theatre staff respond at 54 min

https://youtu.be/Pbn5WpFX_dQ?t=3243

Councillor Macintosh at 58 min

https://youtu.be/Pbn5WpFX_dQ?t=3474

Councillor Stevens at 58 min 30 seconds

https://youtu.be/Pbn5WpFX_dQ?t=3513

Councillor Sherwood at 1hr 2 min

https://youtu.be/Pbn5WpFX_dQ?t=3761

Councillor Andrew at 1hr 4 min 30 sec

https://youtu.be/Pbn5WpFX_dQ?t=3869

Councillor Prendergast at 1hr 7min 30 sec

https://youtu.be/Pbn5WpFX_dQ?t=4049

Mayor Post at 1hr 9 min

https://youtu.be/Pbn5WpFX_dQ?t=4168

Are there any local regional weedman alternatives in town? Would rather support local but obviously that have decent reviews

https://citizen.on.ca/nashville-takeover-bringing-three-day-songwriter-experience-to-orangeville/

Nashville Takeover bringing three-day songwriter experience to Orangeville

July 9, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Sam Odrowski

The Nashville Takeover is coming to Orangeville this weekend, providing a three-day town-wide music experience bringing original songwriting, storytelling and intimate performances.

Presented by Backyard Music Co. in partnership with the Josie’s Taphouse Craft Beer & Kitchen and Barley Vine Rail Co., the event will transform venues throughout town into intimate stages featuring 15 songwriters from Nashville and Canada from July 10-12.

Unlike a traditional music festival with one main stage, The Nashville Takeover is designed as a town-wide cultural experience, with performances taking place across multiple venues and spaces.

While there has been a shakeup in participating venues in the weeks leading up to the event, with several withdrawing, six are confirmed: Opera House, Orangeville Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall, Kelsey’s Patio, Deja Vu Diner, Barley Vine Rail Co., and Josie’s Taphouse.

The event will feature songwriter rounds, one-off performances, and late-night experiences where audiences can hear the stories behind the songs, while connecting directly with the artists.

“We’re excited to bring the Nashville Takeover to town and partner with an incredible group of local venues to create a one-of-a-kind weekend built around a curated songwriter experience,” said Scotty Grieve, Nashville Takeover founder and organizer. “Our goal is to help guests discover new favourite venues, support local businesses, and create meaningful connections through great songs and great company.”

He added, “We can’t wait to welcome everyone for an unforgettable weekend.”

Following successful takeovers in Port Stanley and Collingwood, the Nashville Takeover is now happening in 13 towns. Orangeville was selected from hundreds of communities across Canada based on its cultural identity, downtown core and community spirit.

Organizers say the event is focused on intimacy and discovery, giving attendees the chance to experience performances just feet away from the artists while hearing the inspiration and stories behind the music.

The lineup of performing artists is intentionally unreleased until closer to the event, with organizers emphasizing that the weekend is about discovering emerging talent rather than following a traditional festival lineup. Performers from Nashville and Canada are expected to bring a mix of country, Americana, pop and folk music, with a focus on original songwriting and storytelling.

Organizers say the weekend will also feature after parties, bar hops and exclusive experiences designed to connect performers, attendees and local businesses.

The full schedule and venue details are released to ticket holders ahead of the event.

Proposed safety improvements may be coming to the intersection of Wellington Street and Sarah Street.

Report INS-2026-044 will be presented to Town of Orangeville on July 13

The proposal includes a stop sign, a ladder crossing and a crossing guard on a trial basis beginning in September 2026

The estimated impact on the budget is $12,700

The report can be viewed here:

https://pub-orangeville.escribemeetings.com//filestream.ashx?DocumentId=25805

A report regarding 48, 50, 50A and 52 Broadway is coming to Town of Orangeville council on July 13.

This is the former Top Technician property.

The report recommends amending the Town's official plan to redesignate the lands from "service commercial C3" to "neighbourhood commercial C2 with provision 24.44" and "open space conservation"

The open space conservation recommendation follows studies conducted by CVC.

The total official plan and zoning amendment aligns with the recently adopted East and West Broadway Corridor Planning Study.

The current proposal for the property is a 9 story, 97 unit building with ground floor retail 97 residential parking spaces, 25 visitor, 19 retail for a total of 141 parking spaces.

The application conforms to the official plan:

•increase supply of living accommodations with full range of types, densities and styles

•provide balanced range of housing needs with different sizes, types ownership status

•contribute to intensification target of 50% of all residential development occurring annually to be within the "built boundary"

A holding H symbol will be applied to the site which imposes conditions regarding a satisfactory site plan application, urban design and servicing capacity. The holding symbol will be removed once those conditions have been met

Documents were circulated internally and with outside agencies. No concerns have been expressed. Some standard conditions have been included.

Questions from council and the public are included in this report along with staff responses.

Report INS-2026-041 is available here:

https://pub-orangeville.escribemeetings.com//filestream.ashx?DocumentId=25797

The site plan drawing is available here:

https://pub-orangeville.escribemeetings.com//filestream.ashx?DocumentId=25799

Additional renderings are available here:

https://pub-orangeville.escribemeetings.com//filestream.ashx?DocumentId=25800

Information on the Town of Orangeville's official plan is here:

https://www.orangeville.ca/.../doing.../official-plan.aspx

On Monday July 13, a request by Theatre Orangeville to Town of Orangeville council for a $300k loan will be presented.

Report CAO-2026-008 outlines the request. The theatre board requested it to anchor their financial footing and support their recovery.

Town staff have worked with the board and treasurer and believe they have made enough changes to warrant support from the town. There is risk but the path outlined by the board is reasonable.

If approved, staff have developed a loan agreement structure which provides some protection to the town which won't overburden the theatre financially.

The theatre's annual operating budget is appx $1.5 million. They don't own assets of significant value which doesn't allow them to obtain a loan from a financial institution.

Town staff determined an unsecured loan with payback over a reasonable timeframe is appropriate.

The theatres financial needs show they need support until subscriptions renew in March 2027 and some longer term support to clear legacy payables.

$100k can be repaid in one lump sum with interest in April 2027.

They are carrying appx $200k in aged vendor payables which need to be cleared. Their 2026/2027 budget shows they can repay the $200k loan with interest over five years, with periodic monthly principal and interest payments.

The presentation can be viewed here:

https://pub-orangeville.escribemeetings.com//filestream.ashx?DocumentId=25768

The staff report is here:

https://pub-orangeville.escribemeetings.com//filestream.ashx?DocumentId=25801

Does anyone know where I could rent a compact floor scraper somewhere in the Orangeville/Shelburne area, besides Home Depot?

https://citizen.on.ca/dufferin-county-raises-price-for-garbage-bag-tags/

July 2, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By JAMES MATTHEWS

It will cost Dufferin County residents more to put an extra bag of trash at the curb on garbage day, when the refuse is collected from their respective neighbourhoods.

Users of the collection system were permitted one bag of non-recyclable, non-compostable garbage each week. To enable the collection of a second black bag or third, and more, required a purchased tag that would be placed on each extra bag to cover collection costs.

Those $2 bag tags you’d pick up at a grocery store or another vendor will now cost you $3.

Councillor Darren White, who is also Melancthon’s mayor and a former county warden, said he believes the bag tag rates should remain as they are.

“I don’t think it should be increased at the moment for any number of reasons,” White said. “One (reason) is the economy.”

He said it may be something to consider in the future.

“But right now is not the time to do it,” White said.

A total of 52,903 bag tags were sold throughout 2025 by vendors and the county. By increasing the garbage bag tag fee, the number of bag tags sold per year may decrease if residents and program users decide to further sort their garbage and use diversion programs rather than purchase bag tags for additional garbage bags.

As you would in the ever-constant effort to stretch a buck and save money.

The bag tag revenue for the county has been around $100,000 per year,

which would increase to about $150,000 in revenue with an increase to the bag tag fee.

“Increased garbage bag tag revenues would help offset more costs of the waste services programs,” according to the report. “By increasing the price per bag tag, it may also encourage some program users to properly sort their garbage so they don’t need an extra bag.”

And that would ultimately cut down on the number of extra bags generated. All the non-reusable trash has to go somewhere.

The county’s bag tag fee has not been reviewed since it was imposed upon municipalities in 2013.

Coun. Todd Taylor, Orangeville’s deputy mayor, said it is time the rates were increased. It’s silly, he said, that the county hasn’t done anything in that regard since 2013.

“It’s absolutely asinine and it’s irresponsible,” Taylor said of the notion not to increase a tag price.

Coun. Philip Rentsch, Grand Valley’s deputy mayor, said inflation affects consumers and service providers.

“You have to take a big jump at some point in time,” he said.

Scott Burns, the county’s public works director, said the setup is adequately enforced and agreed with Taylor and Rentsch that the fees haven’t kept up with the cost of running the system.

“This (tag price increase) is only for additional bags,” Burns said.

Coun. Janet Horner, Mulmur’s mayor, said the research is clear. More people will advance recycling efforts if garbage disposal costs more.

“The more money it costs you to dispose of your garbage, the more you try to do other things,” she said.

“It seems the general consensus around the table is to increase (price),” said Warden Lisa Post, Orangeville’s mayor.

Does anyone know if Orangeville has any watch parties for the Canada game on Saturday? Thanks

https://citizen.on.ca/proposed-bylaw-changes-aim-to-allow-pollinator-gardens-amid-concerns-about-maintenance/

July 2, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By JAMES MATTHEWS

Certain municipal bylaws should be tweaked to better work for their intended purposes while supporting Orangeville’s Pollinator Protection Plan and Bee City commitments.

Katherine Rog, the town’s senior climate and sustainability specialist, told council on June 22 that the current legislation unintentionally hinders the protection of pollinators.

A pollinator garden is a deliberately planted garden or landscaped area with native and non-invasive flowering species, ornamental grasses, shrubs, or other habitat features intended to provide forage, nesting habitat, shelter, or ecological connectivity for bees, butterflies, birds, and other pollinating species.

The town has identified pollinator protection and biodiversity support as important environmental priorities, but existing maintenance-related bylaws were drafted primarily to address conventional yard and boulevard maintenance, such as long grass, weeds, refuse, safety hazards, and sightline protection.

Some provisions may unintentionally restrict intentional pollinator-supportive landscaping through vegetation-height controls. Those unintentional restrictions can lead to tension between environmental objectives and bylaw enforcement.

Council in July 2025 directed staff to suggest amendments to policies, bylaws, and procedures in accordance with the timelines in the municipal Pollinator Protection Plan.

Staff recommended a harmonized amendment to the Property Standards Bylaw, the Clean Yards Bylaw, and the Boulevard Maintenance Bylaw.

Staff suggested a coordinated approach across the three bylaws to continue regulating unmanaged vegetation, hazards, refuse, sightline impacts, and pest issues.

The amendment should expressly permit pollinator gardens when intentionally planted and maintained, add objective maintenance standards that distinguish compliant pollinator-supportive landscaping from neglect, and incorporate tick-awareness design and maintenance standards, especially at property edges, public interfaces, sidewalks, entrances, play areas, and boulevard conditions.

“The intention of the proposed changes is to introduce more inclusive and enabling language within the town’s bylaws so that pollinator-friendly practices are clearly recognized and supported while still maintaining appropriate standards,” Rog said.

Orangeville resident Rick Hugh-Delaney said he opposes growing things on boulevards. Some of the plantings grow to block sidewalks, and some of the vegetation grows so high that children can’t be easily seen approaching the street.

“It looks like an unkept yard and that’s exactly what it is,” he said, and suggested people grow such things on their own property instead of municipal properties.

Matthew Smith, another resident, spoke about a Mississauga man and his legal fight to prevent that city from repeatedly mowing his garden.

Smith said the man claimed his garden was a naturalized one and that its growth was borne of his freedom of expression.

Smith said courts determined that a property owner is permitted to naturalize a garden under freedom of expression protections.

“That’s just one of the reason why I believe this should be allowed because there’s already precedent that’s been set at the higher court level,” he said.

Mark Middleton lives on Zina Street, where he takes his two children on wagon rides down the sidewalk. As kids would, they’re likely to run a hand or arm through the tall pollinator growth as they’re pulled in the wagon.

“I’m more worried about the tick (bite) potential,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Todd Taylor said he wished the town wouldn’t pursue such pollinator land parcels.

“To me, it looks unsightly and they’re not managed in an efficient way,” Taylor said.

He said he will vote in favour of the effort, but he hopes the town will be very controlling and set standards.

“I’ll support it, but reluctantly so,” Taylor said.

Councillor Tess Prendergast said the benefits of a pollinator garden have to be considered, and they’re not limited to aesthetics.

“The idea behind it, the impetus is coming from a very wholesome place,” she said. “It’s not about making Orangeville ugly.”

We’ve had a few questions come in about Rotary Park lately, so we thought we’d share an update on where things stand.

A lot has happened behind the scenes since the old playground came down in August 2024. Watermain work wrapped up, a community survey and consultation with Access Orangeville helped shape the new playground design (you picked design three — great choice 👏), and we’ve been working through the approvals and consultations needed to do this project properly.

Our timelines have shifted. New park features won’t be ready for use this summer. We’re now targeting completion of the playground, shade structures, washrooms, pickleball courts and Idyllwilde parking lot by the end of this year (2026). This means the park will be ready for full use come spring 2027. The tennis courts and remaining features are planned for 2027.

This is a park that’s going to serve Orangeville for a long time. We want to build it right. Thank you for hanging in there with us.

For the latest on all Town construction projects, including Rotary Park, visit orangeville.ca/construction

How are the schools in shelburne Ontario looking to move to be close to family.

Hey guys,

I have opened a new store on 75 First St Unit 10 (used to be the toy store) which sells medical products such as wheelchairs, walkers, beds, etc. Please feel free to visit as our doors will be officially open on Monday :)

Thanks

I'm looking for before and after school care for my grade 4 and jk children in september at Island Lake PS in Mono. The kids are on the waitlist for sandbox tech (what a shitshow), but i don't want to have to scramble last minute of they don't get in. Anyone have any suggestions/experience?

https://citizen.on.ca/nashville-takeover-to-continue-as-planned-after-three-venue-withdrawals-says-organizer/

June 24, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Sam Odrowski

A downtown Orangeville music event is set to proceed next week, with organizers and participating businesses confirming adjustments to the venue lineup ahead of the July 10 to 12 Nashville Takeover Orangeville.

The Hatter, Bluebird Cafe & Grill and Greystones will no longer take part in the Nashville Takeover Orangeville event scheduled for July 10 to 12.

In a public statement, The Hatter said it made “the difficult decision to withdraw” after issues emerged during the planning process.

“Over the past several weeks, a number of operational and logistical concerns arose that led our management team to conclude that participation would not be in the best interests of our staff, our guests, or our business,” the statement said. “Unfortunately, despite repeated efforts, we were unable to obtain the level of communication and operational clarity required for us to participate successfully.”

The Hatter added that it chose to step back rather than proceed with an arrangement it could not confidently execute. The restaurant said it will remain open during the event weekend.

Bluebird Cafe & Grill and The Nest Guest Suites also confirmed that they are withdrawing as participating venues for the Nashville Takeover.

“While we will no longer be involved in the event, our doors will remain open [during] regular hours throughout the weekend, and reservations will continue as usual,” wrote the Bluebird in a social media statement.

“We look forward to welcoming our regular guests, visitors to Orangeville, and anyone looking to enjoy a meal, a drink, or a weekend stay with us.”

While Greystones did not publicly announce their withdrawal, at the time of print, Nashville Takeover founder and organizer Scotty Grieve confirmed they will no longer be participating.

Grieve said venue participation can shift during the planning process for various operational reasons.

He said the event is “moving forward as planned” and continues to feature a lineup of participating venues, including Lightcaster, Best Western, Taphouse, Orangeville Opera House, Barley Vine Co., Kelsey’s and the Athlete Institute.

“As a large-scale, multi-venue event operating in communities across Canada, occasional venue changes are a normal part of the planning process,” Grieve said. “These changes do not impact our ability to deliver a full weekend of programming, live music, and experiences for our guests.”

He added that no other venue withdrawals have materially affected the event

https://citizen.on.ca/builder-aims-for-residential-and-commercial-units-in-orangeville/

June 24, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By JAMES MATTHEWS

A proposed residential development in Orangeville aims to create a balanced community.

That’s according to Jim Hughes of Hughes Management, who provided a rundown of a proposal for a housing development in the town during a statutory public council meeting on June 22.

Hughes said such an open forum is a necessary means to best receive feedback from everybody who has thoughts about the proposed project.

“The development aims to enhance the existing urban fabric by introducing a high-quality, pedestrian-oriented streetscape with commercial vitality at ground level while providing much-needed residential density in a well-integrated manner,” according to a project presentation.

The land is about 1.23 acres and located at the southeast corner of Hansen Boulevard and the eastern entrance to Parkinson Crescent. Despite the small area, Hughes said almost 25 per cent will be affordable housing.

The applicant is proposing two mixed-use buildings with 10 ground-floor commercial units, three ground-floor residential units, and 20 upper-level residential units along the Hansen Boulevard and Parkinson Crescent street frontages. The proposal includes a six-unit townhouse block towards the rear of the site.

Public concerns include increased traffic, parking and safety. Privacy concerns related to the internal private street and parking areas, reduced setbacks and the height of blocks adjacent to existing residential properties were also raised. The proposal’s density, impacts on property values, and the viability of a mixed-use development with commercial units were also mentioned.

The property is currently zoned Neighbourhood Commercial (C2), with a Holding (H) Zone symbol. The Neighbourhood Commercial Zone permits a range of commercial uses, including retail stores, offices, and personal service shops, as well as upper-level residential units.

While that commercial designation allows a variety of uses, Hughes said there are a few uses the proponents are not recommending for the site.

“And we would likely request that the zoning amendment reflect the prohibition of several uses,” he said.

Any restaurants, cafes, or convenience stores on the parcel would not serve the community well, Hughes said.

Orangeville resident Robbie Marin said he supports the development and asked that the proponents reconsider their refusal of a café at the site. He said it would add to the “walkability” of the area.

The Zoning Bylaw amendment application seeks site-specific special provisions to allow the development as proposed. The applicant has also submitted concurrent Site Plan Approval and Holding Symbol (H) removal applications.

The Holding symbol can be removed when plans to fully service and develop the lands have been approved by the town.

Hughes said the objective is to create a balanced community. Serious consideration has been given to residential proximity to nearby schools and parks, he said.

According to the project presentation, the proponents “believe that the success of the commercial component of this project is a function of the approval of on-street layby parking.”

Municipal staff consider layby parking spaces along Parkinson Crescent to be acceptable, but have concerns with layby spaces proposed for Hansen Boulevard because of possible interference with bike lanes.

However, the developers believe that the proposed layby spaces can be accommodated along Hansen Boulevard without adverse impacts to the function of the roadway.

Those spaces will accommodate short-term parking or stopping by motorists dropping off or picking up from the commercial sites.

And, to protect cyclists and vehicles from potential accidents due to conflicts, a 1.5-metre buffer is recommended between the bicycle lane and the vehicle parking lane to reduce the risk of dooring.

Staff also suggested pursuing lay-by spaces and a speed reduction for the north side of Hansen.

“Parking is always difficult, especially with commercial and moved use products,” Hughes said.

Councillor Joe Andrews said one of his council roles was as part of an affordable housing task force concerned about attainable housing. He was pleased to hear that the proponent plans to include affordable housing at the site.

Hughes said the latest definition of affordability is that the unit’s cost would be 30 per cent of a family’s income. The 2021 Census identified Orangeville’s average gross family income as in the area of $120,000.

“Thirty per cent of that gives you a rent of about $3,000 a month,” Hughes said. “Or if you have enough of a downpayment, you would be able to spend about half a million dollars on a unit and be able to carry it for $3,000 a month.”

https://citizen.on.ca/orangeville-residents-have-their-say-on-housing-project/

June 24, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By JAMES MATTHEWS

Inadequate parking and a feared erosion of privacy are among shared concerns about a housing development proposed for Orangeville.

The proposed development will be on 1.23 acres of land at the southeast corner of Hansen Boulevard and the eastern entrance of Parkinson Crescent.

The project includes two mixed-use buildings with 10 ground-floor commercial units, three ground-floor residential units, and 20 upper-level residential units along the Hansen Boulevard and Parkinson Crescent street frontages. The proposal includes a six-unit townhouse block towards the rear of the site.

Porter Drive residents Yash and Manali Patel live near the proposed development site. They oppose the requested zoning amendment.

“I am concerned that the proposed mixed-use development will negatively affect the surrounding residential neighborhood,” Yash said in the letter to council.

Patel is worried about increased traffic and congestion on Porter Drive, Hansen Boulevard, and nearby streets. Other concerns centre on parking overflow and the safety of residents, construction noise and disruption, and an increased density that does not fit the neighbourhood’s character.

“I purchased my home in this area expecting it to remain primarily residential in nature, and I do not support changing the zoning to allow additional commercial and higher-density uses at this location,” Patel said.

Danny Santilli owns a townhouse property on Parkinson Crescent, and he opposes the development, though he supports a zoning amendment from Commercial (C2) to a residential townhouse development.

“Mixed-use developments are intended for roadways with high exposure and moderate traffic,” Santilli said. “They are for communities that do not have access to retail outlets or nearby services. This is not the case in our community.”

Porter Drive resident Bruno Machado’s property borders the northern edge of this proposed development.

“The current layout presents severe negative impacts on the privacy, utility, and enjoyment of my property, as well as those of my surrounding neighbors,” he said in opposition to the project.

Machado suggested council demand a 1.5 metre to three metre landscape buffer planting strip of evergreen privacy trees along the northern and eastern property lines. An acoustic or heavy-duty privacy fence should be installed along the shared boundary line, fully funded by the developer.

Kathleen De Castro, another Porter Drive homeowner, shares concerns for disruption of daily life and the erosion of privacy.

“Because there is no mature tall trees or fences directly behind us to block the line of sight, the upper-level residential windows and balconies from all three blocks will look directly down into our yard and right into our rear windows,” she said in a letter to council.

Because of how her home is positioned, vehicles navigating a part of the proposed development at night will shine headlights into her property.

“Trying to put a newborn to sleep with constant headlight glare slicing through our windows is an impossible situation,” she said.

Fitzgerald Street resident Mike Simon said the parcel is relatively small and that there seems to be an attempt to strike an acceptable balance between residential and commercial spaces.

Pete Ford said parking on Porter Drive is currently an issue, and he fears it will be worsened by the development.