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Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson was born and raised in Orillia and returned to his hometown to become sports editor of The Packet & Times in 1991. He chose to stay in Orillia, to raise his family here and to serve the community as a reporter, editor and freelance writer ever since. He is thrilled to be the community editor of OrilliaMatters.com and looks forward to continuing the tradition of bringing the stories that matter to Orillians to their fingertips every day. Dave is also very involved in the community; he coached various sports when his kids were younger and, today, is a valued board member of Sport Orillia, a member of the Building Hope campaign for the Lighthouse Soup Kitchen and Shelter and is also part of the committee selected to choose this year's Citizen of the Year.

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Recent Work by Dave

City bringing in 'additional resources' to keep up with record snowfall

City bringing in 'additional resources' to keep up with record snowfall

Orillia has been walloped with 170 centimetres of snow, the most 'for any winter month' in the last 45 years, says local weather watcher
Birder, city snowplow driver team up to help save red-tailed hawk

Birder, city snowplow driver team up to help save red-tailed hawk

The hawk was found in wooded area in Kitchener Park with a string wrapped around one of its legs and was unable to move; it's been taken to animal rescue facility
UPDATE: One person killed in 60-car Hwy. 11 pileup, say OPP

UPDATE: One person killed in 60-car Hwy. 11 pileup, say OPP

'Orillia firefighters along with firefighters from Oro-Medonte and officers from the OPP have been going vehicle to vehicle checking on the occupants,' says fire chief
Citizen files complaint with OPP over Dunlop's campaign 'stunt'

Citizen files complaint with OPP over Dunlop's campaign 'stunt'

'Officers also have a responsibility to demonstrate neutrality and remain non-partisan in all situations,' says OPP official, noting officers in question did not face sanctions
Orillia digging out after average month of snow falls in 3 days

Orillia digging out after average month of snow falls in 3 days

Orillia pounded with more than 46 centimetres of snow since Friday night, says local amateur weather watcher
Check out the 10 most-read OrilliaMatters stories of 2024

Check out the 10 most-read OrilliaMatters stories of 2024

A class action lawsuit, a snowstorm that spawned chaos on Highway 11, a kid's discovery of a rare coin among the most popular stories of the year
Orillia 'is a little less' after loss of 'legend' Suds Sutherland

Orillia 'is a little less' after loss of 'legend' Suds Sutherland

'He truly believed in the power of music,' says former student of Orillia teacher, who 'embodied cool' and influenced generations of local students
COLUMN: Amid a difficult Christmas, grandson restores season's joy

COLUMN: Amid a difficult Christmas, grandson restores season's joy

A smiling 15-month-old boy has provided an important reminder about joy, the currency of the Christmas season
Snow squall heading toward Orillia; Highway 11 remains shut down

Snow squall heading toward Orillia; Highway 11 remains shut down

Another 45 centimetres of snow fell overnight north of Orillia, worsening already treacherous conditions on Highway 11; reopening time not known
City doubling down on debt for Brian Orser renos, Laclie Street work

City doubling down on debt for Brian Orser renos, Laclie Street work

City official calls long-term borrowing a 'balancing act'; Coun. Lauer expressed concerns about $4.1M annual cost to service new debt
More work by Dave >