Latest news with #SimcoeCounty
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Writing could be on the wall for Orillia to generate revenue
The official grand opening of the Orillia Recreation Centre is Friday, Aug., 19, 2022 (PHOTO SUBMITTED BY CITY OF ORILLIA) Naming rights to buildings are common throughout Simcoe County and now Orillia is asking its residents for the 'OK' to name several of its city owned properties. Before moving forward with the initiative, the city is turning to its residents for feedback. 'I think anything that generates revenue for a town of city is a great idea especially if it doesn't cost us citizens anything,' said one resident. City staff say there are several locations that could sponsored by local businesses including Orillia Recreation Centre, the opera house, rotary place, the library and even the city's waterfront center could be re-named for the right price. Don McIsaac, mayor of Orillia said the city is looking at all its options. 'We're just looking to see what's possible I mean this is just an idea it could work out there are impediments to it that don't make sense,' said McIsaac. 'But we think it makes sense so we're just trying to figure out what's possible.' City staff have created an online survey where residents can voice their thoughts. The city is also asking people what they think about using some city owned locations as a possible location for some smaller businesses. 'We have places where they can put up coffee shops and they can do a commercial lease, we have places where they can take naming rights on a building they can take naming rights on a dressing room, arena's,' said McIsaac. 'it's unlimited really in terms of the amount of space we have that can take a name.' Other residents say if the initiative can save them money, then to go ahead with the idea. 'It can help the property taxes I think it's a good promotional idea and you know it will bring people out to support those companies and support the town, said Orillia resident Steve Alison. Residents and business owners in Orillia can have their say on the idea by taking part in the online survey through the city's website until July 7th. There are a total of seven buildings the city is considering re-naming for the right price. The proposal will go back to council sometime this summer.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Iconic movies you didn't know were filmed in Simcoe Muskoka
Maisy Stella sitting on a boat docked in Muskoka, Ontario during the 2024 coming of age film, "My Old Ass." (IMDB) Over time, a plethora of productions have rolled into Simcoe Muskoka, turning familiar small town locations into Hollywood style backdrops for big screen movies. From heartfelt dramas to comedies, to 2000's singalongs, and iconic hockey reboots, celebrities and upcoming actors from all over the world have left their mark right here in our region. Here's a look at some of the movies that were shot in Simcoe County, York Region, and Muskoka over the years. Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2005) - Starring 50 Cent and Joy Bryant This drama, starring rapper Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson, tells the story of Marcus, a young drug dealer who dreams of escaping his violent surroundings and becoming a rapper. 50 Cent Curtis James Jackson known as '50 Cent' is pictured in this photo during the 2005 shoot of "Get Rich" in Wasaga Beach, Ontario. (IMDB) After surviving a brutal shooting, Marcus begins to reassess his life and pursue music. While much of the film's story unfolds in the city, scenes were shot in Wasaga Beach, Ontario giving local landscapes a local edge. Camp Rock (2008) - Starring the Jonas brothers and Demi Lovato Camp Rock was filmed in two locations across Ontario. Most of the scenes were primarily recorded at the YMCA Camp Wanakita in Haliburton and Kilcoo Camp in Minden. Camp Rock Camp Rock, the 2008 movie was filmed in two locations in Ontario. Most of the scenes were primarily recorded at YMCA Camp Wanakita in Haliburton and Kilcoo Camp in Minden. (L) Kevin Jonas (M) Joe Jonas (M) Demi Lovato, and (R) Nick Jonas. ( The 200's movie, with three others in the series, is about a popular teen idol who overhears a girl singing (Demi Lovato) and sets out to find who the voice belongs to. What he doesn't know is that the girl is actually a camp kitchen worker with a fear of being heard. Camp Rock Camp Rock, the 2008 movie was filmed in two locations in Ontario. Most of the scenes were primarily recorded at YMCA Camp Wanakita in Haliburton and Kilcoo Camp in Minden. (L) Nick Jonas (M) Joe Jonas (M) Demi Lovato, and (R) Kevin Jonas. ( The Vow (2012) - Starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum While The Vow was primarily set in Chicago, parts of this romantic drama were filmed in Newmarket, Ontario including hospital scenes at the Southlake Regional Health Centre. Rachel McAdams Rachel McAdams on the set of "The Vow" shot in 2012 at the Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario. (Experience York Region) The movie, based on a true story, stars Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum as a married couple whose relationship is tested when McAdams' character loses her memory following a car accident. The movie was a box office success according to imdb. My Old Ass (2024) - Starring Aubrey Plaza, Maisy Stella and Maddy Ziegler Muskoka, waters and cottage land served as the backdrop for this coming-of-age comedy drama directed by Megan Park. Maisy Stella Maisy Stella sitting on a boat docked in Muskoka, Ontario during the 2024 coming of age film, "My Old Ass." (IMDB) Inspired by her own summers in Ontario's cottage country, Park chose the northern region to tell the story of Elliott, a queer teen played by Maisy Stella, who has a life changing trip that leads to a bizarre encounter with 39-year-old Aubrey Plaza. The film explores identity, family, and the strange wisdom that can come from hindsight. Maisy Stella Maisy Stella sitting on a boat docked in Muskoka, Ontario during the 2024 coming of age film, "My Old Ass." (IMDB) Youngblood Remake - Adaption of Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, and Keanu Reeves Hockey fans may remember the 1986 cult classic Youngblood, which starred Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, and Keanu Reeves. Now, the story is getting a modern revamp as part of the filming happened right here in Barrie, Ontario. Youngblood A classic 1980s hockey film is getting a fresh take, with filming already underway - and some of the action is unfolding in Barrie. (CTV News/Julianna Balsamo) In February, crews shot scenes at Sadlon Arena using a crowd of extras to recreate the excitement of a hockey game. The reboot focuses on a young, Black player navigating the pressures and culture of high-level competitive hockey. Actor Ashton James, who plays the lead role, was eager to be part of the project from the jump. The release date for the reboot hasn't been announced. Youngblood A classic 1980s hockey film is getting a fresh take, with filming already underway - and some of the action is unfolding in Barrie. (CTV News/ Julianna Balsamo With is wildlife views, iconic backdrops, and small towns, parts of our region continue to attract filmmakers, directors and actors from all over.
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Simcoe Muskoka weather details: June 12
Here are the latest weather details, plus the long-range forecast for York Region, Simcoe County and Muskoka.
CTV News
11-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Adapting to change: Local employers focus on the future
Business minds across the region came together in Severn Township on Thursday for the County of Simcoe's 4th annual 'Workforce Connect' conference, where they discussed ways to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the current economic landscape. 'It's an opportunity to educate employers and service providers in the area about local trends that are impacting the workforce,' said Ruth Walker Scott, County of Simcoe senior economic development officer. Wednesday's themes included navigating change, empowering talent for tomorrow, building and retaining a resilient workforce, cultivating workplace cultures that attract top talent and future-proofing talent strategy. 'To ensure that they are creating those really welcoming workplaces that help them attract and retain the workforce the they need,' added Walker Scott about the goal of the conference. County conference Michael Agema (left) Founder and CEO of Agema, speaks on a discussion panel at the Workforce Connect conference in Seven Twp., Ont., on Wed., June 11, 2025. (CTV News/Mike Lang) The more than 100 people in attendance learned from presentations delivered by industry experts and bounced ideas off each other throughout the day, sharing their professional advice and lessons they have learned. 'I think it was an excellent opportunity to express our vision as a business in Simcoe County, what we need and what to expect,' said conference panelist Dr. Mikhail Pliousnine with Simcoe Family Dentistry. 'Change is always going to happen,' said conference panelist Michael Agema, founder and CEO of AGEMA Work. 'Be able to adapt to it.' Among the main challenges discussed, of course, was tariffs and uncertainty. Matthew Stewart, director in the economics and financial advisory group at Deloitte Canada, spoke about the impact of that uncertainty on local manufacturing. 'Forty per cent of all the jobs within the manufacturing sector are dependent on demand from the United States,' explained Stewart. 'The economic impact from the tariffs are much larger in this economic region and we're seeing the impact from delays in the battery investments, electric vehicles, and this is resulting in some layoffs within the economic region.' County conference Matthew Stewart, Economics and Financial Advisory group director at Deloitte Canada, speaks at the Workforce Connect conference in Seven Twp., Ont., on Wed., June 11, 2025. (CTV News/Mike Lang) 'They've cut themselves off from a lot of the inputs that feed into their production,' continued Stewart. 'We are seeing some benefit to the agriculture within the region if they can take advantage in places like China and Europe, where we're now more competitive than the United States.' With manufacturing being one of the main local sectors impacted by tariffs, County staff say they expect resilience and perseverance to be among the main themes of their upcoming annual Manufacturer's Forum in November.
CTV News
11-06-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Simcoe County hits pause on Barrie's land transfer requests
Barrie Watch Simcoe County council will ask the province to delay deadline on approval of transfer of land until Nov. 28.
