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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

Orillia facing $3.25M lawsuit over deadly 2022 legionella outbreak

Orillia facing $3.25M lawsuit over deadly 2022 legionella outbreak

Family of man who died filed statement of claim alleging his 'injuries and death were caused solely by the negligence' of the city and its contractors
'Heartbreaking': Family, community mourn death of six-year-old

'Heartbreaking': Family, community mourn death of six-year-old

'It's a sad day for Orillia,' says mayor after young girl was killed in downtown crash; a candlelight vigil is being planned and a fundraiser has been started for family
Area author 'thrilled' to be in Chicken Soup for Soul Christmas book

Area author 'thrilled' to be in Chicken Soup for Soul Christmas book

Evelyn Pollock's story was inspired by her experience ringing bells for Salvation Army at Orillia Square; 'It's an honour to be a Chicken Soup author'
Jimmy Fallon pokes fun at Orillia's Christmas tree lighting fiasco

Jimmy Fallon pokes fun at Orillia's Christmas tree lighting fiasco

'It's so embarrassing for all of us. Imagine we hit the news in the U.S,' says commenter after tree lighting in Orillia is ridiculed on the Tonight Show on American television
OPP 'sincerely regrets' anti-Trudeau posts on its social media

OPP 'sincerely regrets' anti-Trudeau posts on its social media

'Ideas shared do not reflect the opinions of the organization,' says OPP official, noting posts were made in error; 'There is no punishment in this matter'
'Very fragile': Orillia woman, 101, seeks help to stay at home

'Very fragile': Orillia woman, 101, seeks help to stay at home

'It breaks my heart' that 'very frail' senior may have to leave assisted care facility she loves because she is running out of money, laments sister, 82
Orillia museum looks to honour legacy of Gordon Lightfoot

Orillia museum looks to honour legacy of Gordon Lightfoot

'There is an opportunity to do more to properly honour his international impact and the positive sentiments so many have toward his life and work,' says OMAH official
Tributes pour in for Gordon Lightfoot, 'the heart of Canada'

Tributes pour in for Gordon Lightfoot, 'the heart of Canada'

'The world lost one of its great storytellers yesterday. Canada lost part of itself,' said actor Kiefer Sutherland, one of many who paid homage to Orillia's Gordon Lightfoot
BREAKING: Canadian icon Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84

BREAKING: Canadian icon Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84

'He will surely be missed by the Mariposa Folk Festival, by his beloved fans, by Orillia and the world,' said Mariposa Folk Festival official
Ransomware attack: Casinos could re-open later this week

Ransomware attack: Casinos could re-open later this week

'We anticipate reopening using a phased approach later this week,' said Gateway official, adding 'it has not been determined which sites will reopen first'
More work by Dave >