WE'RE NOT JUST LOOKING IN THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR

Count On Us To Bring You News

YOU CAN USE IN 2022, WRITES ADAM MARTIN-ROBBINS

Simcoe.com, and in Metroland's seven Simcoe County newspapers, that look ahead to 2022 and what is happening with key issues you've told us you care about.

Of course, COVID-19 ranks high on that list.

We'll look at how the pandemic is expected to play out as the second anniversary draws near, especially how it will shape the lives of students and parents as well as business owners and the community's vulnerable populations.

It's about trust. Our relationship with our readers is built on transparency, honesty and integrity. As such, we have launched a trust initiative to tell you who we are and how and why we do what we do. This article is part of that project.

December is typically a month for reflection in the news business.

We look back at the year that was to remind our readers about the stories that captured their attention and got them talking or, more often than not, posting comments on Facebook.

You know the stories I'm talking about — the most read stories of 2021, Newsmaker of the Year, Simcoe County's most dangerous intersections, 10 terrible excuses police heard from speeding drivers and, my personal favourite, five facepalm moments from 2021.

But we know that you also want stories that provide context and insight into how the issues we write about impact your lives.

Let me assure you that alongside those reflective pieces, you're going to see stories all month long on

We'll also examine whether the red-hot real estate market is likely to cool down or stay at soaring temperatures — and why.

As you know, we also provide content that helps you navigate your daily lives.

Our reporters will write about projects or initiatives expected to have a profound impact on your city or town next year, major roadwork that will disrupt your commute, and fantastic family events to help you keep your children entertained.

We want to know what you think about these stories. If you read something this month that excites you, bothers you or leaves you with questions, please let us know.

Whether it's a letter to the editor, an idea for a followup story, or a photo of something odd, send it our way — either through Simcoe.com, or by email to newsroom@simcoe.com.

Adam Martin-Robbins is managing editor of Metroland's seven Simcoe County newspapers and Simcoe.com. He can be reached at amartinrobbins@metroland.com.

Saying It On Social Media

YOU READ: ORILLIA LIBRARY ADVOCATES FOR OUTREACH WORKER TO HELP THOSE 'POTENTIALLY IN CRISIS'

"That is an awesome idea and actually taking initiative to solve a problem and help some of the people that visit the library. Instead of kicking them out on the street, get them extra support. Good for Orillia Public Library."

TAYLOR PACE, FACEBOOK

"I was under the impression the province covers mental health care in the province? Why is the City of Orillia adding another layer of taxes on its citizens to do a job already covered under their provincial taxes?

The OPP have several mental health care people on their contact list to help them with calls like this. Allow the OPP to take care of this, as is their mandate."

BRADLEY MATHEWS, FACEBOOK

"Makes good sense. Li- braries have long been a refuge for people who have no home to go to, or a home that is not safe to go to. Have observed librarians being most kind and helpful to all who come through their doors."

PATRICIA BARRETT, FACEBOOK

YOU READ: 'THEY SHOULD BE ASHAMED': COLLINGWOOD COUPLE FEELS THEY'RE BEING SCAPEGOATED FOR 'BROKEN' HERITAGE PROCESS

"As the owners of this home, we are overwhelmed with the showing of support. Thank you. For those voicing opposing opinions, we appreciate your right to do that too. For the record, we admitted to our mistake the minute we learned of it. We didn't do this 'on purpose.' We had no idea you couldn't paint our house because so many others in the district are already painted. Had someone told us to stop we would have. The misin-

This newspaper, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 70 community publications across Ontario.

This newspaper is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the newspaper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca newsroom@simcoe.com facebook.com/simcoenews @simcoenews

Who We Are

Publisher Dana Robbins

General Manager Shaun Sauve

Director of Advertising Elise Allain

Director of Content Lee Ann Waterman

Managing Editor

Adam Martin-Robbins

Director Distribution Jason Christie

Director Creative Services

Katherine Porcheron

Advertising Coordinator

Nadine Kennedy

Barrie Advance Advisory Council

Mayor Jeff Lehman, Dr. MaryLynn formation, the mistreatment, and the inconsistencies within council and the heritage committee are appalling. Their decision to enact new bylaws and change the makeup of the heritage committee, as a result of our concerns, but still penalize us, is so unfair. If you know a town councillor here in Collingwood, please speak up. We hope this never happens again to anyone, but we shouldn't be the example just to scare everyone else. Thanks again for the support."

VAL HAMILTON, FACEBOOK

"What the heck is special about this house? It looks far better white. There are some lovely houses in Collingwood, but this one is definitely not heritage. I didn't even know Collingwood had a heritage district. Why would someone know that information?"

SUE PAYNE, FACEBOOK

West-Moynes, Georgian College; Janice Skot, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre; Kimberley Greenwood, Barrie Police Service; MP John Brassard; MPP and Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey; Mayor Harry Hughes, OroMedonte; Paul Markle, Barrie Chamber of Commerce; Michèle Newton, Making Change Barrie; Dale Boyle, Gilbert Centre; Aleta Armstrong, Canadian Mental Health Association; Robin Jones, Barrie & District Association of Realtors; Sharon Palmer, Barrie Food Bank; Kelly McKenna, Downtown Barrie BIA; Donald Carty, co-chair Anti-Racism Task Force for City of Barrie

Contact Us

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Letters to the editor

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