Developer proposes expanding Orillia waterfront rejuvenation project
Orillia's waterfront rejuvenation project could look slightly different with a proposal to alter a condo development from six to eight storeys.
"Mid-rise buildings anywhere in this country are the toughest buildings to make work financially," stated Fred Serrafero, VP of Development and Construction with FRAM Building Group.
The developer and the city believe adding two more storeys eliminates the need for underground parking and makes economic sense.
Council approved the amendment, but it must be ratified at the next meeting on Oct. 3.
"I don't like it," said Orillia resident Kathleen Harris. "I think it detracts from the traditional beauty of our waterfront. I think it's unnecessary."
Meanwhile, local Kate Lambert likes the idea. "As long as they don't spoil the whole waterfront for the local people, and they're not so expensive that local people can't buy them."
The condo will now host retail space and 97 residential units.
"When you have more people living there and walking and riding their bicycles, you just create a community within the community. And people seem to be understating that and very supportive," Mayor Steve Clarke said.
Residents anxious to see the new look of the waterfront development will need to be patient. Structures aren't expected to start going up until next fall, with environmental work and infrastructure being the focus until then.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their “extremely dangerous” experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it’s too late
She was lying in bed on a Thursday morning, thinking about the man she loved, hoping to win his freedom before time ran out.