OrilliaMatters welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is in response to the recent letter Boater says new Orillia boat launch is not practical by Steve Boss.
As a follow-up to the boaters' complaints, I would like to bring some “parkers'” complaints.
For the last few years, many senior Orillia taxpayers have been driving almost daily, even in the winter, to the waterfront and parking… sometimes with a coffee or tea, sometimes with a book, sometimes just to watch people, sometimes to watch the boaters launching and sometimes just to breathe some nice fresh air while looking at our beautiful lake.
Many of these people cannot walk very far, if at all, so this became a private social outing for them.
With this new configuration, that pleasure has been taken from them.
Whoever designed this new lot had certainly never taken the time to investigate how important this lot was, not only to residents, but also visitors. They obviously don’t live in Orillia, or have taken the time to study its importance to the citizens.
We have lost at least half of the previous spaces. The curbs and plants will be a nightmare in the winter to the plow drivers. (Not to mention the weeds already in them). As well, they take up at least 10 parking spaces.
I have already seen a road rage incident in the “dead-end lot” due to several cars trying to back out because it’s full.
Also, what are those “tables” for at the “dead-end“ parking?
Also, the ramp for wheelchairs from the “dead-end” lot ends in a parking space, making it impossible to get over it with a wheelchair.
I can certainly empathize with Mr. Boss’s concerns regarding the many problems with the boat launch and parking for the boaters.
I personally know of three families who used to come here to launch their boat, stay for the week or weekend, stay in rented accommodation, eat in restaurants, enjoy the park, wander up the Main Street and spend money – they have found a new place now.
Rant over.
Dianne Hawke
Orillia
